Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekane emphasized that the team will keep Isack Hadjar's rehabilitation as the top priority, refusing to accelerate his comeback for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The French driver has been sidelined for three consecutive events after injuring his wrist during a routine training session that took place just before the sport resumed after its summer hiatus.
In his absence, Racing Bulls' Liam Lawson has stepped into the seat. Mekane spoke after the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday, confirming that Hadjar's healing process is proceeding as expected.
The team plans to run the young driver through a simulator program in order to gauge his readiness for a possible return in Baku. "There is nothing wrong with Isack's recovery.
We have learned that the timeline for the type of injury he sustained is fairly standard," Mekane said. "We will continue with the same approach and evaluate his situation over the next week." He added that the team has just over a week to assess how the Frenchman feels, both physically and mentally, before deciding whether to place him back in a real car. "We will put him in the simulator, expose him to realistic constraints, and if he feels close to 100 per cent we will let him race.
If he feels his recovery is still incomplete, we will stick to our plan and keep his health first," Mekane explained. "We do not want an early return to jeopardise his long‑term ability to perform at 100 per cent." The Azerbaijan Grand Prix, held on the street circuit of Baku, will start a day earlier than usual, with practice scheduled for Wednesday and the race on Saturday. This event kicks off a three‑week sprint of back‑to‑back races that will continue in Malaysia and Singapore over the following weekends. Liam Lawson, who moved up from sister team Racing Bulls, has been covering for Hadjar.
The New Zealander previously held a temporary seat at the start of the 2025 season, a stint that ended abruptly after two races. Yuki Tsunoda remains in the Racing Bulls lineup. Lawson has already shown his worth, qualifying eighth on two occasions and scoring points at both Zandvoort and the Spanish Grand Prix, where he finished sixth.
"He has done a very good job," Mekane praised. "We all know how challenging it is to jump into a different team and a different car, and he has exceeded our expectations.
He earned valuable points in Madrid with a P6 finish, replicated that performance in Zandvoort, and would likely have done the same in Monza if not for the contact with Nico Hulkenberg and the resulting damage." Mekane continued, "The pictures are completely different compared to the first races of 2025 when he first joined the team. We are grateful and delighted with his progress." Over the past year, Lawson has rebuilt his form and confidence at Racing Bulls, enjoying a steady points‑scoring run before his unexpected senior Red Bull call‑up. "He continues to grow as a driver," Mekane noted, having worked with Lawson at both Red Bull outfits.
"He remains calm in the car and highly focused. He may not always be aware of the effort he puts in, but he certainly keeps things simple in his communication with the team and his approach to extracting performance from the car." "He concentrates on the fundamentals, gets the basics right, and that strategy is paying off. With more time in the car, he can add another layer of finesse, but his current strength is undeniable," Mekane added.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, marking the start of a triple‑header weekend from September 24‑26. Viewers can stream the race via NOW, with the flexibility to cancel at any time. The race weekend promises intense action on Baku's demanding street layout, and all eyes will be on whether Hadjar can return in time, or if Lawson will continue to impress in the interim.
In summary, Red Bull remains committed to a cautious, methodical approach to Hadjar's rehabilitation, using simulator data and medical assessments to decide on his participation. Meanwhile, Lawson's performance has provided a valuable boost to the team, showcasing his adaptability and resilience in a high‑pressure environment. The upcoming week will be critical for both drivers as they prepare for the challenges of Baku and the subsequent races in Malaysia and Singapore.