Red Bull point to key 'indicators' behind Isack Hadjar justification

Red Bull has pointed to Isack Hadjar's display at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as it justified its decision to extend his contract for 2027.

Hadjar's place in the team was confirmed as he returned from a three-race absence after picking up an injury during the summer break.

Having eased himself back into things, Hadjar qualified in fourth place and showcased strong pace in the grand prix, so much so that he put pressure on team-mate Max Verstappen.

While he appeared to have stronger pace, Hadjar did not push the squad to place him in front, but rather indicated he was happy to play the team game to maximise the result.

Hadjar went on to end the race in second place, one position behind Verstappen, marking Red Bull's first double podium of the year.

When Hadjar's maturity on show was put to team boss Laurent Mekies, he told media including RacingNews365: "I think you are pinpointing exactly the right details that make you understand a lot more about the right pictures.

"It shows you how cleverly the kid is racing, and how much brain capacity he is developing while in the car, and also how much emotional control he is managing to have.

"It's many indicators of the steps he has made in all these areas, on top of producing more speed."

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Red Bull hail 'truly impressive' Hadjar step

The result was the second podium of Hadjar's stint with Red Bull after he finished third in Monaco.

Red Bull's confidence in the Frenchman did not wane despite his stint on the sidelines, which saw Liam Lawson step up to replace him.

The Milton Keynes-based squad hailed the step Hadjar has made since joining the team.

"So it's exactly that trajectory that has been impressing us every day since he has joined the team, and probably last year as well.

"And also for that, we want to give him the best possible environment to continue to develop because that step was truly impressive."