Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekhié emphasised that the French driver Isack Hadjar's rehabilitation will remain the top priority, and the team will not rush him back onto the grid before they are confident he is fully fit. The decision on whether Hadjar will line up for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be taken after a series of assessments, including a simulator run designed to gauge his readiness. Hadjar has been absent from competition for the past three events after suffering a wrist injury during a routine training session that took place just before the sport resumed following its summer hiatus. In his stead, Racing Bulls' Liam Lawson has taken over the seat, delivering a solid performance that has helped the team maintain its points tally.
Speaking after the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday, Mekhié explained that the recovery timeline is proceeding as expected. He highlighted that a simulator session scheduled for the coming week will provide valuable data on Hadjar's physical condition and his ability to handle the specific demands of a street circuit like Baku. "There is nothing wrong with Isack's recovery," Mekhié said. "We have learned that his injury is typical for the type of trauma he sustained, so we will continue with the same measured approach." The team will spend the next seven days monitoring Hadjar's progress.
"We have a full week, a little more than a full week, to evaluate how he feels, to put him in the simulator and expose him to real‑world constraints," Mekhié added. "If he feels close to 100 percent, we will let him race. If not, we will stick to our philosophy of putting his health first. The last thing we want is an early return that could jeopardise his long‑term ability to perform at 100 percent." The Azerbaijan Grand Prix, held on the iconic Baku street circuit, will start a day earlier than usual this year, with practice sessions slated for Wednesday and the race itself on Saturday.
This event kicks off a three‑race sprint that will see the calendar move to Malaysia and Singapore over the following two weekends. Lawson, who moved up from the sister team Racing Bulls to fill Hadjar's vacancy, previously enjoyed a brief two‑race stint with Red Bull at the start of the 2024 season. His compatriot Yuki Tsunoda continues to race for Racing Bulls. Lawson has already shown his adaptability, qualifying eighth on two occasions and scoring points at both Zandvoort and the Spanish round in Madrid, where he finished sixth.
Mekhié praised Lawson's performance, noting the challenges inherent in switching teams and cars mid‑season. "He has done a very good job," Mekhié said. "We all know how difficult it is to jump to a different team and a different car, and he has exceeded our expectations.
He secured valuable points in Madrid with a P6 finish, repeated that success in Zandvoort, and would likely have done the same in Monza if not for the contact with Nico Hulkenberg that caused damage." The Frenchman added that Lawson's recent form at Racing Bulls has been impressive. Over the past year, Lawson has rebuilt his confidence and consistency, becoming a reliable points scorer before his unexpected call‑up to the senior Red Bull squad.
"He continues to grow as a driver," Mekhié observed. "He is calm, focused, and keeps things simple in his communication with the team and his approach to the car. He concentrates on the basics, gets the fundamentals right, and that is paying off.
With more time in the car, he will add another layer of finesse, but his foundation is already very strong." Looking ahead, the Red Bull organization remains cautious but optimistic. The upcoming simulator test will simulate the high‑speed straights and tight corners of Baku, allowing engineers to assess Hadjar's grip strength, reaction times, and overall comfort in a high‑stress environment.
Should the data indicate that his wrist has healed sufficiently and his confidence is restored, the team is prepared to give him the green light for the race. Conversely, if any lingering pain or limitation emerges, they will continue to let him recover fully, possibly targeting the next round in Malaysia as his return point. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports F1, with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix marking the start of a thrilling triple‑header from September 24 to 26. The race will be broadcast via the NOW streaming platform, offering a contract‑free viewing option that can be cancelled at any time.
This flexible arrangement ensures that supporters worldwide can stay updated on Hadjar's progress, Lawson's performance, and the broader Red Bull campaign as the season races toward its climax.