Laurent Mekies praises Isack Hadjar's 2026 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix podium on Red Bull return
Formula 1 • • sports
Key Points:
- Laurent Mekies praised Isack Hadjar's "outstanding" performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, highlighting his strong return from a wrist injury with a podium finish.
- Hadjar, making his first appearance since the injury, qualified fourth ahead of teammate Max Verstappen and finished third after capitalizing on a rival's mistake late in the race.
- Mekies emphasized Hadjar's pain-free return, calm approach to building race pace, and impressive emotional control during the weekend, especially in managing race strategy alongside Verstappen.
- Red Bull confirmed Hadjar's retention for the 2027 season, reflecting confidence in his steady improvement and potential following a successful sophomore year including a Monaco podium.
- Mekies noted Hadjar's intellectual growth and racecraft development, praising the team's supportive environment aimed at fostering his continued progress.
