Helmut MarkoIsack Hadjar 
via RacingNews365Isack Hadjar discovers podium fate after Azerbaijan GP investigationIsack Hadjar has retained his third-place finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix following a stewards' investigation into a practice start infringement. The French driver, who had missed the previous three races due to a wrist injury, was found to have failed to follow race director instructions during reconnaissance laps but was given a warning instead of a reprimand due to mitigating circumstances.
In related news, Carlos Sainz was allowed to keep his 10th place finish after being found to have followed incorrect instructions from his team. Valtteri Bottas escaped penalty after a crash, while Gabriel Bortoleto received a 10-second time penalty for overtaking under yellow flags, dropping him from 13th to 15th.
RacingNews365Sat 26 Sep · 16:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJacques Villeneuve criticises Oscar Piastri's errorJacques Villeneuve has labelled Oscar Piastri's double lock-up during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as a 'rookie mistake'. The incident caused Piastri to drop to the back of the field in Baku.
f1oversteer.com+ 1 moreSat 26 Sep · 14:14 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJolyon Palmer mocks Isack Hadjar for being ‘the best guy in the world’ vs Max Verstappen in BakuDuring the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Jolyon Palmer mocked Isack Hadjar for being overly compliant with Max Verstappen, suggesting he should have fought harder for position. Both Red Bull drivers ended up on the podium, marking their first joint podium since the 2024 Chinese Grand Prix, with Hadjar praised for his pace after returning from injury.
Palmer highlighted Hadjar's reluctance to challenge Verstappen during the race, questioning whether the Red Bull team was hesitant to ask Verstappen to concede his position. Despite Palmer's criticism, both drivers performed well, with Verstappen narrowly missing out on victory after two safety car periods.f1oversteer.comSat 26 Sep · 14:00 UTC
via f1technical.netRussell seals excellent weekend with Azerbaijani victoryGeorge Russell dominated the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, leading from the start to secure victory on 26 September 2026. Max Verstappen finished closely behind in second place, just 0.1 seconds off the pace, while Isack Hadjar, making his return to Formula 1, completed the podium in third. Russell's performance was marked by consistent pace and strategic tyre management, allowing him to maintain a significant lead throughout the race.
The race saw several incidents, including retirements from Lance Stroll and Pierre Gasly. Oscar Piastri, who initially held second place, struggled with tyre issues and ultimately dropped to 15th after a lockup. The event featured two safety car periods, which added to the drama, but Russell's late restart allowed him to fend off Verstappen's challenge, securing a well-deserved win.
f1technical.netSat 26 Sep · 12:54 UTC
via grandprix.comHadjar plays it safe while wrist recoversIsack Hadjar qualified fourth for the Baku Grand Prix, prioritising his recovery from a wrist injury over maximum performance. He consciously left some speed in reserve to avoid the risk of aggravating his injury, especially given the challenging nature of the street circuit. Hadjar acknowledged that he was still regaining his confidence after missing two months of racing.
Despite qualifying ahead of his teammate Max Verstappen, Hadjar noted that Verstappen's performance was hindered by a technical issue. He completed extensive simulator laps to aid his recovery, but still experienced some discomfort. Hadjar is focused on safely navigating the opening lap and hopes to compete effectively while maintaining the caution he has adopted during his recovery.grandprix.comSat 26 Sep · 11:35 UTC
via newsonf1.comHadjar admits he deliberately held back in BakuIsack Hadjar revealed that he intentionally held back during the Baku qualifying session, prioritising his recovery from a wrist injury. Despite this, he managed to secure a P4 position, finishing ahead of Max Verstappen, who encountered technical issues. Hadjar expressed that while the result was encouraging, it did not reflect his full potential as he aimed to avoid any mistakes that could jeopardise his recovery.
In his comments, Hadjar acknowledged that he felt Verstappen had outperformed him throughout the weekend. He noted that his absence from the previous races hindered his ability to compete for a front-row position. Hadjar reported that his wrist was coping well, and he completed extensive simulator laps to prepare for the race, indicating his confidence in fighting for a strong position if he starts from fourth.newsonf1.comSat 26 Sep · 06:46 UTC
via RacingNews365Christian Horner drops 'nightmare' claim about Helmut Marko and Max Verstappen signingChristian Horner has made claims in his new book that Helmut Marko was initially hesitant to bring Max Verstappen into the Red Bull team, citing concerns about Verstappen's father, Jos. Horner describes Marko as a difficult character, labelling him as abrasive and disloyal, and expressed disappointment over Marko's cold treatment of him following his dismissal from Red Bull.
Horner reflects on his relationship with Marko, noting that while Marko had once given him his start at Red Bull, their dynamic changed, particularly after the death of team founder Dietrich Mateschitz. Despite Marko's early scepticism, Verstappen went on to achieve significant success, becoming a four-time world champion.RacingNews365Sat 26 Sep · 06:15 UTC
via f1oversteer.comIsack Hadjar has just shown exactly why Red Bull chose him over Liam Lawson for 2027Isack Hadjar's qualifying performance at the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix demonstrated why Red Bull chose him over Liam Lawson for the 2027 season. He secured a P4 starting position, showcasing his skills after an eight-week hiatus due to a wrist injury, while teammate Max Verstappen faced difficulties, qualifying P8.
George Russell claimed pole position, significantly outpacing Charles Leclerc in P2. Hadjar's strong return to form is crucial as he aims to maintain his championship standing, currently sitting in P8, with Lawson closely trailing him by 12 points.f1oversteer.comFri 25 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comIsack Hadjar bullish: If I hadn't missed three races, I'd be second on the gridIsack Hadjar, driving for Red Bull Racing, qualified fourth for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix but expressed confidence that he could have secured second place if he had not missed the previous three races due to a wrist injury. His qualifying time was just 0.137 seconds slower than Charles Leclerc, who took second, while Hadjar outperformed Max Verstappen, who qualified eighth.
Hadjar described his approach during the comeback as cautious, aiming to avoid risks while gradually building confidence. He acknowledged improvements in his car's handling since his last race in Hungary, but admitted that Mercedes still had a significant speed advantage, particularly in straight-line performance. This qualifying result marks Hadjar's best performance since the season opener in Melbourne.
Motorsport.comFri 25 Sep · 14:36 UTC
via RacingNews365Liam Lawson returns to Racing Bulls for Azerbaijan GPLiam Lawson is set to return to Racing Bulls for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after filling in for the injured Isack Hadjar. Racing Bulls boss Alan Permane praised Lawson's performances during his stint with the team.RacingNews365+ 1 moreThu 24 Sep · 18:15 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 stars reveal 'restrictions' on off-track activities after Hadjar boxing injuryFollowing Isack Hadjar's wrist injury, which caused him to miss three races, F1 drivers discussed the restrictions their teams impose on off-track activities. Hadjar clarified that Red Bull has not placed any restrictions on him, despite the injury occurring during a boxing workout.
Charles Leclerc and Alex Albon shared their experiences, revealing that while they have some restrictions, they often negotiate with their teams. Leclerc noted that activities like skydiving and skiing are discouraged, while Albon mentioned that bungee jumping is also considered risky.
gpfans.comThu 24 Sep · 14:51 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 star set to be dogged by injury for 'a while' after heavy crashIsack Hadjar has revealed that he will continue to deal with a wrist injury that caused him to miss the last three races of the Formula 1 season. The French driver suffered a small fracture on the outside of his wrist and will return to racing at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after being replaced by Liam Lawson, who scored 14 points in his absence.
During a press conference, Hadjar discussed the nature of his injury and the recovery process, stating that while he did not require surgery, the healing will take time. He has been able to test on the simulator without issues, but he acknowledged the challenges of training with his injury and expressed a desire to be more cautious in the future.gpfans.comThu 24 Sep · 13:52 UTC
via Motorsport.comRed Bull confirms Isack Hadjar's long-term contractRed Bull Racing has clarified that Isack Hadjar is on a long-term contract with the team. Team boss Laurent Mekies addressed previous confusion regarding the length of Hadjar's deal.Motorsport.com+ 1 moreThu 24 Sep · 11:50 UTC
via f1oversteer.comIsack Hadjar aims for strong return at Azerbaijan Grand PrixIsack Hadjar will make his return from injury with Red Bull at the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Juan Pablo Montoya believes Hadjar has a specific goal in mind related to Liam Lawson's performance.f1oversteer.comThu 24 Sep · 08:00 UTC
via gpfans.comRed Bull F1 issue Liam Lawson statementRed Bull Racing has issued a statement praising Liam Lawson for his impressive performances during his three-race stint with the team, where he scored 14 points. Lawson stepped in for Isack Hadjar, who was sidelined due to a wrist injury, and achieved notable finishes, including seventh in the Dutch Grand Prix and sixth in the Spanish Grand Prix.
Despite his strong showing, Lawson's future with Red Bull appears uncertain as the team has confirmed Hadjar's return for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Lawson's contract with Racing Bulls is also not yet confirmed, leaving his position in the 2027 season unclear, although he has outperformed his rookie teammate this season.gpfans.comWed 23 Sep · 20:44 UTC
via thejudge13.comRed Bull announces driver decision for 2027Red Bull Racing has confirmed that Isack Hadjar will continue with the team for the 2027 Formula 1 season, partnering with Max Verstappen. This decision comes after Hadjar's impressive performance in 2026, where he achieved seven consecutive top-six finishes and a podium at the Monaco Grand Prix. Red Bull's CEO, Laurent Mekies, expressed confidence in Hadjar's abilities and his integration into the team, making the contract extension a straightforward choice.
Hadjar's announcement coincides with his return from a wrist injury that sidelined him for three races. He has completed rehabilitation and is set to compete in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The young French driver expressed excitement about continuing with Red Bull, highlighting the team's ambition and the privilege of racing alongside a four-time World Champion like Verstappen. Hadjar focused on his performance on track rather than contract negotiations, indicating his commitment to proving himself.
thejudge13.comWed 23 Sep · 18:36 UTC
via Formula1.comHadjar elated to ‘come back to the fight’ amid new contractIsack Hadjar is set to return to racing at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after recovering from a wrist injury that sidelined him for three rounds. The Red Bull driver confirmed that while he is ready to compete, he still experiences some pain from the injury, which was a small fracture he sustained during training over the summer.
Alongside his return, Hadjar announced a contract extension with Red Bull that will see him continue racing alongside Max Verstappen in 2027. Prior to his injury, Hadjar was performing well, achieving seven top-six finishes, including a podium in Monaco, and he is eager to demonstrate his capabilities on the track once again.
Formula1.comWed 23 Sep · 11:41 UTC
via grandprix.comRed Bull extends Isack Hadjar's contract to 2027Red Bull Racing has confirmed that Isack Hadjar will remain with the team until 2027. Team boss Laurent Mekies has outlined expectations for Hadjar to continue his development as he prepares to return from injury.grandprix.com+ 1 moreWed 23 Sep · 09:46 UTC
via RacingNews365Isack Hadjar voices Red Bull 'privilege' after renewed F1 trustIsack Hadjar has expressed a sense of privilege after signing an extension with Red Bull Racing for the 2027 Formula 1 season. The French driver joined the team in 2025 and has made a strong impression, achieving a podium finish at the Monaco Grand Prix and consistently finishing in the top six throughout the season.
Despite Red Bull's struggles this year, Hadjar remains motivated to help the team return to the top. He acknowledged the talent within the team and the support he has received, stating his commitment to improving and justifying the faith placed in him by Red Bull.RacingNews365Wed 23 Sep · 08:10 UTCvia newsonf1.comWolff absent as Antonelli enters gruelling title runToto Wolff will not attend the upcoming race in Baku as the Formula 1 championship enters a challenging phase, with a tight schedule ahead. Bradley Lord will take over Wolff's trackside duties during this period. Meanwhile, Isack Hadjar is set to return to the Red Bull team after recovering from a wrist injury, while Liam Lawson will revert to Racing Bulls after a successful stint alongside Max Verstappen.
Kimi Antonelli is currently leading the championship with an 81-point advantage and is focused on maintaining his lead through the demanding upcoming races. He expressed confidence in his physical readiness for the challenges ahead. Despite Mercedes not having made significant upgrades since May, further developments are anticipated in the coming races, and Antonelli's performance is expected to remain strong as he aims for his first title.newsonf1.comWed 23 Sep · 05:56 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRed Bull still haven’t seen how good Liam Lawson really is after ending his stint one race too earlyRed Bull Racing has confirmed that Isack Hadjar will return to the team for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, ending Liam Lawson's stint as a substitute driver. Lawson had previously replaced Hadjar and performed well, scoring points in his debut race at Zandvoort and achieving a career-best fifth place at Baku last year.
The decision to end Lawson's time with Red Bull comes as he was poised to potentially excel at the Baku circuit, where he had previously qualified third and finished fifth. The team has been noted for having the best internal combustion engine, which could have further enhanced Lawson's performance had he continued in the RB22.f1oversteer.comTue 22 Sep · 17:00 UTC
via Motorsport WeekIsack Hadjar expresses relief at returning to Red BullIsack Hadjar has shared his relief about the upcoming opportunity to race again with Red Bull at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. He described feeling a 'weird feeling' during his absence from Formula 1.
Motorsport WeekTue 22 Sep · 15:30 UTC
via f1technical.netIsack Hadjar returns to Red Bull at Azerbaijan Grand PrixIsack Hadjar has confirmed his return to Formula 1 with Red Bull at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after recovering from a wrist injury. During practice, Hadjar expressed satisfaction with the performance of his upgraded car, stating it felt better than during his last outing in Hungary.f1technical.net+ 1 moreTue 22 Sep · 14:00 UTC
via the-race.comWhere every Red Bull driver stands as Hadjar returnsIsack Hadjar is set to return to Red Bull for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after recovering from a wrist injury that sidelined him for three races. His return means Liam Lawson will go back to Racing Bulls, while Yuki Tsunoda takes on his reserve role again. Hadjar's performance prior to his injury showed promise, averaging 6.5 points per race, but he faces pressure to perform at a high level immediately upon his return.
During Hadjar's absence, Verstappen's performance improved significantly, averaging 12 points per race, while Lawson managed only 4.7 points. Tsunoda demonstrated his reliability by scoring points in Monza, while rookie Arvid Lindblad continued to impress, contributing to Racing Bulls' success in the constructors' championship. Hadjar's return is crucial for Red Bull as they aim to improve their competitive standing.
the-race.comTue 22 Sep · 10:00 UTC