Full Breakdown
Isack Hadjar Retains Monaco Podium After FIA Clears Red Bull of Red-Flag Infringement
6/8/2026, 12:33:36 AM
Podium Secured Amid Post-Race Investigation
Isack Hadjar crossed the Monaco finish line in fourth place on 25 May 2024. Alpine’s Pierre Gasly received two five-second penalties for pit-lane speeding, promoting Hadjar to third. The result was briefly threatened by a stewards inquiry into alleged work on Hadjar’s Red Bull RB21 during the race’s late red-flag period. After reviewing the case, the FIA stewards concluded that no prohibited modification was carried out and left the podium standing unchanged.
Monaco Race Context and Red Bull Setbacks
The Grand Prix began with Red Bull’s lead driver Max Verstappen retiring on lap 1 after a technical failure, leaving Hadjar as the team’s sole contender. Hadjar later described “massive driveability issues” that persisted from the start of the session. A red flag was deployed in the closing stages, bunching the field and prompting a frantic pit-lane scramble.
Key Players
- Isack Hadjar – 21-year-old French driver, Red Bull Racing.
- Red Bull Racing – Team under scrutiny for possible work on car #6 during the red-flag stoppage.
- Pierre Gasly – Alpine driver whose penalties elevated Hadjar.
- Max Verstappen – Red Bull driver who retired early.
- FIA Technical Delegate Jo Bauer – Issued the technical report on the alleged infringement.
- FIA Stewards (Monaco) – Delivered the final verdict of no penalty.
Chronology of Critical Moments
- FP1: Hadjar records a difficult practice session, lowering confidence.
- Lap 1: Verstappen retires due to a car issue.
- Mid-race: Hadjar battles driveability problems but remains in the points.
- Late race: Red flag is shown; Red Bull mechanics are observed working on the car.
- 16:55 local time: Technical delegate reports “operations not permitted” under Article B5.14.4.A.
- Post-race hearing: Stewards hear from Red Bull and the technical delegate; decide no penalty.
Numbers at a Glance
- Finishing order: 1 – Charles Leclerc, 2 – Sergio Perez, 3 – Isack Hadjar (promoted).
- Penalties: Gasly – two 5-second penalties; Perez – 10-second penalty for restart infraction.
- Red-flag duration: Approximately 5 minutes, resetting the field.
Official Findings & Responses
The technical delegate’s report noted that Red Bull attempted to change spark plugs/coils but halted the work after being alerted, leaving the car in its original condition. The stewards ruled that because no parts were replaced, the infringement did not occur, and therefore no sanction was applied.
Criticism and Scrutiny
The investigation underscored FIA vigilance over Article B5.14.4.A, which prohibits any work on a car during a red-flag suspension unless expressly allowed. While no penalty was imposed, the episode highlighted the fine line teams walk when servicing cars under race-stop conditions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The team were reported as attempting to change spark plugs/coils but did not proceed with the change and the car started in the same condition as it arrived in the pits, therefore no further action is taken.” — FIA technical delegate report
- “It’s an outstanding weekend considering how it started in FP1, and I had no confidence to get back up, but we did it so I’m happy," added Hadjar.” — Isack Hadjar, Red Bull driver
- “[At the] restart, I felt like I had a good start and suddenly I had a hope, and I lost two places but I knew that the car ahead had a penalty. But I had limited power, Hadjar: We did it so I’m happy” — Isack Hadjar
- “The car was then returned to its original state, with no parts replaced.” — Jo Bauer, FIA technical delegate
- “Hadjar therefore keeps his third place.” — FIA stewards (Monaco)
Looking Ahead
With the investigation closed, Red Bull will focus on extracting more performance from the RB21 for the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix. Hadjar heads into the next round with renewed confidence, while Verstappen seeks to rebound after his early exit in Monaco.
