Hadjar Monaco podium secured as stewards take ‘no further action’

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Isack Hadjar’s hard-earned Monaco Grand Prix podium has officially been secured, after the FIA confirmed there would be no penalty following a post-race investigation into a potential red flag infringement by Red Bull.

The Frenchman’s third-place finish had briefly been placed under scrutiny after questions were raised about work carried out on his car during a red flag period in Monte Carlo.

But after a review by the stewards, the result was left untouched – turning tension into relief for the Red Bull camp.

The incident was rooted in a stoppage caused by track surface damage at the final corner. During the red flag, Hadjar’s Red Bull crew attempted to address a lingering power unit issue that had been affecting his race.

Mechanics initially moved to change spark plugs or coils in an effort to restore performance. However, the FIA intervened before any regulated breach could be completed, as such changes are not permitted under red flag conditions unless related to approved accident repairs.

After reviewing the situation – including photographic evidence – stewards concluded that no prohibited work had ultimately been carried out.

In their verdict, they confirmed: the car “started in the same condition as it arrived in the pits… no further action is taken.”

Mekies Clarifies Red Bull’s Actions

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies acknowledged that the situation had unfolded in confusion but stressed the team complied once instructed by officials.

“There was a fair amount of confusion there, but we were trying to rectify the issue and we got instructed to leave the car as such, which we did,” he said.

2026 Monaco Grand Prix - Race results

Mekies added that he would need to review the sequence of events in detail, but emphasised the governing body’s directive was followed.

“I will need to go through the sequence, but they [the FIA] made clear to us that they would like us to leave the original components.”

With the stewards satisfied that Hadjar’s car remained unchanged in breach of regulations, the rookie’s Monaco podium was officially confirmed — a significant milestone preserved after a tense post-race inquiry.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.