Alpine rookie Isack Hadjar turned a long recovery into a career‑defining moment at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, finishing third and calling it his first “proper” podium. The French driver, who missed the previous six weeks after a high‑speed crash in Saudi Arabia, was all smiles in the post‑race interview, saying the result felt like a reward for the hard work he put in during his time away from the car.
From the sidelines to the podium
Hadjar’s crash in Jeddah left him with a fractured wrist and a bruised rib cage, forcing him to sit out the last two rounds of the season. During his rehabilitation, the Alpine team focused on keeping him mentally sharp, running extensive simulator sessions and keeping him involved in strategy meetings. When he returned to the grid in Baku, the street circuit’s high‑downforce demands and overtaking opportunities suited his aggressive driving style.
Starting from eighth on the grid, Hadjar made a decisive move into the first corner, gaining two positions and setting the tone for a race‑long charge. A well‑timed pit stop under the safety car allowed him to leapfrog several rivals, and he managed his tyre life expertly, defending against the likes of McLaren’s Lando Norris and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. The final laps saw him hold off a late surge from Red Bull’s Sergio Pérez, securing the final podium spot.
Implications for the championship
The podium not only marks a personal milestone for Hadjar but also adds valuable points to Alpine’s Constructors’ tally, keeping the team within striking distance of the midfield battle. With the next race in Singapore, the team will look to build on the momentum, especially as the street‑circuit layout mirrors many of the challenges Baku presented.
For Indian fans, the race was broadcast live on FanCode with commentary in English and Hindi, and the podium finish means Alpine’s performance will be a talking point in the upcoming Indian Grand Prix practice sessions at the Buddh International Circuit, should the venue return to the calendar.
Hadjar’s emotional post‑race comments highlighted the mental resilience required in Formula 1: “After six weeks away, getting back on track and finishing on the podium feels like a proper reward for all the hard work and the support from the team.”
Source: Formula1.com
