Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies emphasized that the team will keep Isack Hadjar's rehabilitation as the top priority, opting not to rush his comeback after the young driver suffered a wrist injury during a routine training session. The decision comes as Red Bull prepares to assess Hadjar's condition before determining whether he can compete in next weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Hadjar has been absent from the grid for the past three events after injuring his wrist just before the sport resumed following the summer hiatus.
In his stead, Racing Bulls' Liam Lawson has taken over the seat, stepping up from the sister team to fill the gap. Speaking after the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday, Mekies said the recovery process is proceeding according to plan. He added that a simulator run is scheduled for the coming week to gauge Hadjar's readiness for a possible return in Baku.
"There is nothing wrong with Isack's recovery," Mekies stated. "We have learned that the timeline we are seeing is typical for the type of injury he has sustained. Therefore, we will maintain our current approach and continue to monitor his progress closely." He outlined the team's timeline, noting that they have just over a week to evaluate how Hadjar feels and to put him through a simulated session that mimics real‑world constraints. "If he feels close to 100 per cent, we will give him the green light.
If he indicates that his healing is not yet complete, we will stick to our principle of putting his health first. The last thing we want is to bring him back too early and jeopardise his long‑term ability to perform at full capacity," Mekies added. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix, held on Baku's demanding street circuit, will start a day earlier than usual, with practice scheduled for Wednesday and the race on Saturday.
This event kicks off a three‑race sprint that will see the series move to Malaysia and Singapore over the following two weekends. Lawson's promotion from Racing Bulls to the senior Red Bull seat has been a notable storyline. The New Zealander previously enjoyed a brief two‑race stint with the team at the start of the previous season, and he now returns to a familiar environment after delivering solid performances for the junior squad.
Yuki Tsunoda continues to race for Racing Bulls. Mekies praised Lawson's performance, highlighting the challenges of adapting to a new car and team mid‑season. "He has done an excellent job," the team principal said. "Switching to a different chassis and a different operational set‑up is never easy, but he has met and, in many respects, exceeded our expectations.
He secured valuable points in Madrid with a sixth‑place finish and replicated that result in Zandvoort. In Monza, he was on course for a similar outcome before contact with Nico Hulkenberg caused damage." The Red Bull chief added that Lawson's recent form has been encouraging. "He has rebuilt his confidence at Racing Bulls over the past year and was already enjoying a consistent points‑scoring season before this unexpected call‑up to the senior team.
His calmness and focus in the car are evident, and he has kept his approach simple, concentrating on the fundamentals. That simplicity has paid off and allowed him to extract strong performances. With more time in the senior car, we anticipate he will add an extra layer of finesse to his driving style." Mekies also reflected on the broader context of driver development within the Red Bull program. He noted that the organization places a strong emphasis on nurturing talent, providing opportunities across its two teams, and ensuring that drivers receive the support they need to progress.
"Our philosophy is to give our drivers the tools and the time they need to grow. When a seat opens up, we look internally first, and Liam's promotion is a testament to the depth of our driver pool," he explained. As for Hadjar, the team will continue to monitor his wrist through physiotherapy, strength training, and regular medical check‑ups. The upcoming simulator session will simulate the high‑G forces and braking zones of the Baku circuit, allowing engineers to assess any lingering discomfort or limitations.
Should he demonstrate full strength and confidence, Mekies indicated that Red Bull would not hesitate to slot him back into the car for the Azerbaijan race. In the meantime, fans can follow the ongoing developments via Sky Sports F1, which will broadcast the Azerbaijan Grand Prix live. The race marks the beginning of a triple‑header weekend that will see three consecutive races across three continents, offering a packed schedule for both spectators and teams. Red Bull's strategic management of driver health and performance will remain a focal point as the season pushes toward its climax.
Overall, Red Bull's measured approach underscores its commitment to long‑term success, prioritising the well‑being of its drivers while still fielding competitive line‑ups. Whether Hadjar returns in Baku or continues his rehabilitation, the team will keep its eyes on the ultimate goal: maximizing points and maintaining momentum as the championship heads into its final stretch.