Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekhié has reiterated that the French driver Isack Hadjar’s rehabilitation remains on track and that the squad will not rush him back onto the grid before he is fully ready. The team will conduct a series of assessments, including a dedicated simulator run, before deciding whether the young man will take part in the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku. Hadjar has been sidelined for three consecutive 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 absence, Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson, a New Zealander who previously filled in for Hadjar during an ill-fated two‑race stint at the start of the 2025 season, has been called up to drive the Red Bull car.
Meanwhile, Yuki Tsunoda has continued to race for the sister team, Racing Bulls. Speaking to the media after the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday, Mekhié explained that the recovery plan is proceeding as expected. He said a simulator session scheduled for the coming week will give engineers a clearer picture of Hadjar’s physical condition and his ability to handle the unique demands of a street circuit like Baku.
"There is nothing wrong with Isack’s recovery. We have learned that his injury is fairly typical for this type of wrist problem," Mekhié said. "We will keep following the same method we have used so far." He added that the team has roughly a week—just over seven days—to monitor Hadjar’s progress, gauge how he feels, and then put him through a realistic virtual test that mimics the high G‑forces and rapid steering inputs he would encounter on the actual track.
"If he feels close to 100 per cent, we will give him the green light. If he tells us the healing is not yet complete, we will stick to our principle of putting his health first," Mekhié emphasized. "We do not want an early return to jeopardise his long‑term capacity to perform at 100 per cent." The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is unique in the calendar because it is run on a Saturday rather than the usual Sunday, with practice sessions beginning on Wednesday and qualifying on Friday. The race marks the first leg of a three‑weekend sprint that will see Formula One travel to Malaysia and Singapore for the following two events.
Lawson’s performance in Hadjar’s stead has been praised by Mekhié. The New Zealander, who stepped up from the sister team Racing Bulls, managed to qualify eighth on two occasions and scored points at both Zandvoort and the Madrid street circuit, where he finished sixth. "He has done a very good job," Mekhié said. "We all know how challenging it is to jump into a different car and a different team on short notice, and he has exceeded our expectations." Mekhié highlighted specific achievements: Lawson collected valuable points in Madrid with a P6 finish and delivered a similar performance in Zandvoort.
In Monza, Lawson was on course for another strong result before contact with Nico Hulkenberg caused damage to the car. "He has taken some very important points, and his consistency is impressive given the circumstances," Mekhié added. Over the past year, Lawson has rebuilt his confidence at Racing Bulls, turning what began as a sporadic seat into a steady points‑scoring campaign.
Mekhié, who has worked with Lawson across both Red Bull entities, noted the driver’s calm demeanor and focus. "He is very composed in the cockpit and concentrates on the fundamentals. He keeps things simple, which allows him to extract the maximum from the car without over‑complicating his approach," Mekhié explained.
"With more time behind the wheel, he can add finer nuances to his driving, but his current foundation is already very strong." The decision on whether Hadjar will race in Baku will ultimately depend on his feedback after the simulator run and the medical team’s evaluation. Red Bull’s philosophy, as reiterated by Mekhié, is to avoid a premature comeback that could risk a longer‑term setback. The team prefers a measured approach, ensuring that when Hadjar does return, he can compete at his full potential without lingering doubts about his physical condition.
Fans can follow the live coverage of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sky Sports F1, with the race kicking off on Saturday, September 24. The event will be streamed via NOW, offering a contract‑free option that can be cancelled at any time. The weekend marks the beginning of a thrilling triple‑header that will see Formula One move from the streets of Baku to the circuits of Malaysia and Singapore over the next two weeks, promising a packed schedule of high‑octane racing for the remainder of the season.