Hadjar 'enjoying' comeback from injury despite Grand Prix penalty in Malaysia

Isack Hadjar says he is enjoying having a “very good” car beneath him upon his return from injury, having been third fastest in Qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.

The event in Sepang is just the Frenchman’s second since missing three rounds due to a wrist injury suffered whilst training in the summer break.

Last time out in Baku the Red Bull driver celebrated a third place podium finish, and despite being third quickest in Qualifying in Malaysia, he will start the race from P8 following a grid penalty for taking a seventh internal combustion engine (ICE) – with only four permitted.

"It’s a bit unfortunate we take the penalty on the track where we're that fast," he said. "But from eighth, hopefully we can go through the field and come back for a good result.”

Hadjar has been closer to the pace of Red Bull team mate Max Verstappen, who starts on pole for the first time in 2026, but was disappointed he couldn’t lock out the front row.

“I was quite happy up until that very last lap, and then it’s like we had a downgrade on that final lap in all aspects," he explained.

"On the tyres, the grip I felt, we were down on power, so nothing really aligned when I felt like an easy P2 was achievable.

"You know, it’s the first time in my life that I actually feel like we do a terrible job and we’re third, so that’s the perks of having a very good car, and I won’t lie, it’s very satisfying.”

With his team mate Verstappen up front, does Hadjar think he can fight back from eighth for a podium?

“It’s going to be so difficult to overtake on just raw pace and having to go for it on a track like that, all the temperatures are through the roof, and following cars is going to be difficult.

"So I think the only way is just, you know, be smart with the strategy, as clean as we can, and just go for it. It’s going to be fun.”