Red Bull Racing secures double podium at Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Red Bull Racing secured a double podium at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, with Max Verstappen finishing second and rookie Isack Hadjar taking third. The result marks the team’s first double podium in nearly two and a half years.

Verstappen faced significant challenges after an internal combustion engine issue during qualifying left him eighth on the grid. Although the team swapped the power unit for a new configuration to avoid an immediate grid penalty, Verstappen expressed concerns that a penalty may still be unavoidable in future races. Team Principal Laurent Mekies noted that the team is currently analyzing the failed engine to determine if it can be reused.

The race also sparked debate regarding team orders. While some observers suggested Red Bull maintained a strict hierarchy by preventing Hadjar from overtaking Verstappen, Mekies defended the decision, stating the team focused on maximizing the overall result. Hadjar’s performance was highly praised by the team, particularly his discipline and ability to manage his pace despite having a faster tire compound at certain stages of the race.

Red Bull’s performance was bolstered by the strength of its power unit, which demonstrated significant straight-line speed on Baku’s long straights. This advantage allowed both drivers to surge through the field despite the difficult starting positions.