Hadjar and Sainz face post-race steward probe
Isack Hadjar's Baku podium and Carlos Sainz's result remain provisional as the FIA investigates alleged practice-start infringements by both drivers at the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
FIA summons Hadjar and Sainz
The FIA stewards summoned Isack Hadjar and Carlos Sainz after the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix for separate alleged failures to follow race director instructions on practice starts.[1]
Hadjar finished third on the provisional classification. Sainz placed tenth. Both results stay provisional pending the outcome of the investigations.[2]
Documents show Hadjar (car 6) and Sainz (car 55) received summonses for alleged infringements during reconnaissance laps before the race.[3]
Provisional classification impact
The provisional race classification lists George Russell first, Max Verstappen second and Hadjar third.[3]
Sainz's tenth place also carries a note of the pending inquiry. No penalties have been applied yet.
Next steps
Stewards are expected to review evidence including onboard footage and team radio. Decisions will determine whether the podium and points allocations stand.
Related reading
- [1]FIA launches double investigation over Azerbaijan Grand Prix incidents (planetf1). Accessed 2026-09-26.
- [2]Hadjar and Sainz summoned after Baku race (grandprix). Accessed 2026-09-26.
- [3]F1 Race Stewards' Decisions (gp.news). Accessed 2026-09-26.