Hadjar's podium on injury return earns 'team-mate points' praise from Brundle at Baku

Isack Hadjar delivered a composed third-place finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, returning from a wrist injury to help Red Bull claim a double podium alongside Max Verstappen, who crossed the line in second.

Hadjar’s result was set up in the closing stages when McLaren’s Oscar Piastri suffered a late lock-up, allowing the young Frenchman to capitalise and seal the podium. The drive came with added significance: Hadjar had recently signed a Red Bull contract for 2027, making the comeback all the more timely.

F1 TV pundit Alex Brundle was effusive in his post-race assessment, crediting Hadjar not only for his outright pace but also for his discipline when instructed by the team to hold position behind Verstappen.

“Hadjar really had an exceptional comeback today and has earned himself some good team-mate points for playing the game, and he demonstrated amazing pace this weekend,” Brundle said. “If you want to have a comeback from an injury with a new contract in your hands, that’s the one to have, and he thoroughly deserved the podium. In fact, as a pair of drivers, the best in the field today.”

Brundle also suggested Verstappen would likely have found a way past regardless, noting the Dutchman’s tyre advantage in the closing laps. “This way or that way, I think Max would have ended up generously ahead of Hadjar at the end of the race,” he added.

1996 world champion Damon Hill, also on punditry duty, echoed the praise. “Incredible recovery from Isack Hadjar to bounce back after his injury and being away,” Hill said. “They were a strong team. You can never discount Red Bull. They are an aggressive attacking racing team who take chances.”

In the drivers’ championship, Verstappen sits sixth with 163 points while Hadjar is eighth on 86 points. Red Bull occupy fourth in the constructors’ standings with 263 points — a tally that includes points scored by Liam Lawson, who deputised for Hadjar during his injury absence.