Baku, Azerbaijan – Oracle Red Bull Racing and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls delivered a strong performance in the relentless streets of Baku, with Max Verstappen finishing second and Isack Hadjar third at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Round 15 of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship. Verstappen carved his way from eighth on the grid to third in just seven laps before making a decisive move on Oscar Piastri at Turn One following a restart to secure second place. The Dutchman hunted down the leader lap after lap, crossing the line just a tenth of a second short of victory.
Hadjar produced a standout performance on his return from injury, converting fourth on the grid into a third-place finish. It was the Frenchman’s second podium of the season and capped a memorable weekend for the 21-year-old, who recently signed a new contract keeping him with Oracle Red Bull Racing for 2027.
For Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, Arvid Lindblad delivered one of the drives of the day. Starting 15th, the rookie fought his way through the field with patience and precision, navigating a tightly packed battle for the final points positions to secure seventh. Gaining eight places on a circuit where every overtake comes at a premium, Lindblad produced one of his standout performances of the season. Teammate Liam Lawson started 12th and made early progress before contact at the restart sent him spinning. The New Zealander regrouped and fought back to finish 12th, matching his starting position.
Today also marks the 27th anniversary of Ford’s most recent victory with the original incarnation of Red Bull, when Johnny Herbert won the 1999 European GP at the wheel of a Stewart SF3. The FIA Formula 1 World Championship continues next weekend in Malaysia on 4th October.
Mark Rushbrook, Global Director, Ford Racing: “Today’s double podium is an incredible achievement for Red Bull Ford Powertrains, and everyone involved should be incredibly proud. To see Verstappen and Hadjar finish second and third in Baku is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team. Our ninth podium since the partnership began is a significant milestone, and we’re excited to continue building on this success together with Oracle Red Bull Racing and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls.”
