Isack Hadjar arrives in Baku with his Zandvoort helmet, which was delayed, for his return to Formula 1.
Red Bull racer Isack Hadjar is set to make his return to the Formula 1 grid at this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, showcasing the distinctive helmet design that was initially created for the Dutch Grand Prix.
The helmet's delayed introduction follows a three-race hiatus for the French-Algerian driver, who suffered a wrist injury during the summer break.
Now recovered, he will take to the track for Thursday's free practice session. Instead of discarding the custom design meant for the Dutch Grand Prix, Hadjar has opted to bring it to the streets of Baku.
The unique helmet features a playful reference to his first F1 podium at the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix, where he achieved a third-place finish in his rookie season with Racing Bulls, and his post-race celebrations became a viral sensation.
During team photo sessions, which included the customary champagne showers, he accidentally broke his Delft Blue trophy. The 2026 helmet design portrays the shattered trophy along with a cartoon depiction of Hadjar’s reaction.
"Here’s one we made earlier. Isack’s lid from Zandvoort will make its on-track debut in Baku," Red Bull announced on social media.
"I don’t know what’s happening, but I’m getting a new one, that much I know. But I want my broken one. Where is the broken one? That’s the real question," Hadjar told Sky Sports regarding his broken trophy from 2025.
"Because the new one doesn’t matter to me; it hasn’t become part of Grand Prix history. I want the broken one because it represents my podium journey. The new one doesn’t carry the scent of alcohol, like the champagne and all that."
This announcement follows the Milton Keynes team revealing that Hadjar has signed a contract extension to stay with them until 2027.
At 21, he joined Red Bull at the start of 2026, stepping in for Yuki Tsunoda. So far, he has impressed alongside four-time champion Max Verstappen and currently ranks eighth in the drivers' standings with 71 points, compared to Verstappen’s sixth place with 145 points.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is scheduled to take place at the Baku City Circuit from September 24-26.
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