Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekane reiterated that the team will keep Isack Hadjar's rehabilitation at the forefront, refusing to accelerate his comeback before he is fully ready. The decision will be revisited after a series of assessments that will determine whether the French driver can compete in the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Hadjar has been absent from the grid for the past three events after injuring his wrist during a routine training session that took place just before the sport resumed following its summer hiatus. In his stead, Racing Bulls' Liam Lawson stepped into the Red Bull seat, providing the team with a capable substitute while Hadjar continues his recovery.
Speaking after the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday, Mekane explained that the Frenchman's healing process is proceeding according to the schedule they set. He added that a dedicated simulator run has been arranged to gauge Hadjar's readiness for a potential return in Baku. "There is nothing wrong with Isack's recovery. We have learned that his type of injury follows a fairly standard timeline," Mekane said.
"Therefore, we will maintain the same methodical approach we have been using." Mekane emphasized that the team will take a full week—actually a little more than a week—to monitor Hadjar's condition, assess his feedback, and put him through a realistic simulator session that mimics the physical demands of a race weekend. "If he feels close to 100 percent, we will give him the green light. If he indicates that his wrist is not yet fully healed, we will stick to our principle of putting his long‑term health above any short‑term gain," he explained. "We do not want an early return to jeopardise his ability to perform at 100 percent in the future." The Azerbaijan Grand Prix, staged on the street circuit of Baku, will start a day earlier than usual, with practice scheduled for the coming Wednesday and the race itself on Saturday.
This event marks the opening round of a three‑race swing that will continue with Malaysia and Singapore on the following two weekends. Liam Lawson, who moved up from sister team Racing Bulls, has been filling Hadjar's seat.
Lawson previously enjoyed a brief two‑race stint with the senior Red Bull squad at the start of the last season, and his recent performances have reinforced the team's confidence in his abilities. Yuki Tsunoda has been piloting the Racing Bulls car during this period. Lawson has already shown his worth by qualifying eighth on two occasions and scoring points in both Zandvoort and the Spanish race, 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 met, if not exceeded, our expectations. He secured 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 that caused damage." Mekane continued, "His performance this season is a stark contrast to the early part of 2025 when he first joined us. We are grateful and pleased with his progress." Over the past year, Lawson has rebuilt his form and confidence at Racing Bulls, enjoying a consistent points‑scoring run before his unexpected call‑up to the senior Red Bull team.
"He continues to develop as a driver," Mekane noted, having worked with Lawson across both Red Bull outfits. "He remains calm behind the wheel and highly focused. He keeps things simple, both in his communication with the team and in how he approaches the car's performance." Mekane added that Lawson concentrates on the fundamentals, striving to get the basics right, which has yielded solid results. "With more time in the car, he can add another layer of finesse, but his current approach is already very strong," he said.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, kicking off a triple‑header of races from September 24 to 26, with the Baku race taking place on a Saturday. Viewers can stream the coverage via NOW, with no long‑term contract required and the option to cancel at any time.
In summary, Red Bull remains committed to a cautious and measured rehabilitation plan for Isack Hadjar, ensuring that his return to the cockpit is timed correctly to safeguard his long‑term performance. Meanwhile, Liam Lawson's interim stint has provided the team with valuable points and demonstrated his adaptability, reinforcing Red Bull's depth of talent across both its senior and junior squads.