Isack Hadjar’s impressive podium finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has been thrown into doubt after the Red Bull driver was summoned to the FIA stewards in Baku.
Hadjar produced a remarkable performance on his return from injury, securing third place behind Mercedes’ George Russell and his Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen. However, his celebrations could be cut short if the stewards determine that he breached the regulations before the race.
The Frenchman has been called before the stewards over an alleged infringement involving a practice start. He is also being investigated for reportedly failing to follow instructions issued by the race director.
The hearing is scheduled to take place at 18:10 local time in Baku, which is 15:10 BST. Until the stewards reach a decision, Hadjar’s third-place classification remains under threat.
Any penalty could potentially alter the final Azerbaijan Grand Prix results and have a significant impact on the points awarded to the drivers involved.
Hadjar’s podium was particularly notable given the circumstances surrounding his return to competition. The young Frenchman had been forced to miss recent action because of his injury, making his comeback in Baku all the more significant.
After completing a strong race, Hadjar crossed the finish line in third and appeared set to celebrate a major result for Red Bull. However, the late summons means his attention will now turn away from the podium celebrations and towards the stewards’ hearing.
The case is not limited to Hadjar. Williams driver Carlos Sainz has also been summoned by the stewards over a similar alleged offence.
Sainz finished 10th in Baku, securing an important point for Williams and marking the team’s first championship point since the Monaco Grand Prix. Like Hadjar, however, Sainz must now provide an explanation to the FIA officials before his result can be considered fully secure.
The stewards will assess the available evidence, including the circumstances surrounding the alleged practice starts and the instructions issued by the race director.
For Hadjar, the outcome could prove particularly important. A podium on his return would represent a major achievement, but any penalty could change the final classification and potentially cost him valuable championship points.
Red Bull will therefore be waiting anxiously for the stewards’ verdict, with Hadjar’s hard-earned third place hanging in the balance following the post-race investigation.
