Hadjar battles through “longest race of my life” to claim first Red Bull podium in Monaco

Isack Hadjar delivered one of the grittiest drives of the 2026 Formula One season to secure his first podium as a Red Bull Racing driver and the second of his young F1 career, overcoming severe drivability issues, shifting problems, and a late‑race red flag to finish third in Monaco.

On a day when Max Verstappen retired before completing a racing lap, Hadjar became the team’s sole representative — and carried the RB22 to a result that looked almost impossible after the opening phase of the race.

Hadjar’s weekend had already begun in difficult fashion after a troubled FP1, and the race itself quickly turned into a test of endurance. Reflecting on the scale of the challenge, he said: “It’s been an outstanding result and weekend considering how it started in FP1!

"The race was difficult and I had to dig very deep. We got off to a clean start and were managing our race, and then within the first 10 to 15 laps I started having big drivability issues.

"If there’s one track you don’t want that, it’s here, so that was incredibly challenging having to cover 60 laps," continued Hadjar.

The RB22’s power delivery problems worsened as the race progressed. Hadjar lost a position to George Russell during the first pit‑stop cycle, then regained track position by staying out under the initial Safety Car.

But the red‑flag restart exposed the full extent of his engine troubles: “There was then uncertainty about what was going to happen with the red flag and you need to get your head back again in focus.

"Even towards the end, I was still lacking power on the restart. It really was the longest race of my life but now it’s finished we got the podium.”

Hadjar crossed the line fourth but was promoted to third after Pierre Gasly received two five‑second penalties for speeding in the pit lane.

Even then, the result briefly appeared under threat when the stewards opened an investigation into Red Bull for allegedly performing work on the car during the red‑flag suspension. Ultimately, no further action was taken.

“Whatever happens with the stewards, it’s now completely out of my control. I celebrated and had my podium and I will always have that. My moment with the lads.

"Huge thank you to the Team, I trust these guys. Whatever happens, the emotions on the podium have already happened and I am proud of the Team.”