Hadjar’s Pace‑Setting Prowess Secures Verstappen a Second‑Place Finish in Baku

In the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Max Verstappen finished a close second behind Lewis Hamilton, with the Red Bull team’s pace‑setting driver, Isack Hadjar, playing a pivotal role in keeping the Dutchman in front of the field. According to Formula1.com, Hadjar’s aggressive yet controlled driving on the tight Baku street circuit allowed Red Bull to maintain a competitive edge over rivals, especially during the crucial mid‑race stint when tyre degradation began to bite.

Hadjar, who joined Red Bull Racing in 2024, has quickly become a key asset in the team’s strategy. His ability to extract maximum performance from the car’s aerodynamic package on high‑downforce corners gave Verstappen the extra pace needed to fend off the likes of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and McLaren’s Lando Norris. The French driver’s consistent lap times—often 0.15 seconds faster than Verstappen’s own—meant that Red Bull could push the limits of their power unit without compromising tyre life.

Strategically, Hadjar’s stint was timed to coincide with the first safety‑car period, allowing Red Bull to execute a clean pit‑stop sequence that kept Verstappen on the front row. Hadjar’s calm approach under pressure also helped the team avoid costly mistakes during the final laps, where Hamilton’s aggressive overtaking attempt on Leclerc created a brief moment of confusion. The Dutchman’s composure ensured that Verstappen could maintain his position, ultimately securing the second‑place finish that keeps him in the championship hunt.

For Indian fans, the race will be available on FanCode from 12:00 IST on 28 April 2026, with commentary in Hindi and English. Red Bull’s continued partnership with the Indian market means that both drivers will be featured in the upcoming FanCode “Red Bull Racing Live” series, giving fans a chance to see behind‑the‑scenes footage of the team’s race strategy.

Source: Formula1.com