Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekhiés reiterated that the French driver Isack Hadjar’s rehabilitation will remain the top priority, and the team will not rush his return to competition. The organization plans to conduct a series of assessments, including a simulator run, before deciding whether Hadjar will be cleared to race at the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Hadjar has been absent from the grid for three consecutive events after hurting his wrist during a routine training session that took place just before the sport resumed following its summer hiatus. In his stead, Racing Bulls’ driver Liam Lawson stepped into the seat, giving the team a temporary solution while Hadjar focuses on healing.
After the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday, Mekhiés explained that the recovery process is proceeding as expected. He said a dedicated simulator session is scheduled to gauge Hadjar’s readiness for a possible return in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, where the next race will be held on a street circuit. "There is nothing wrong with Isack’s recovery. It appears to be following the normal timeline for the type of injury he sustained," Mekhiés told reporters.
"Therefore, we will maintain our current approach and continue to monitor his progress closely." He added that the team has roughly a week—just over seven days—to evaluate how Hadjar feels, run him through the simulator to expose him to realistic driving constraints, and determine whether his condition is close to 100 percent. "If he feels fully ready, we will let him race. If he indicates that his wrist has not yet fully recovered, we will stick to our policy of putting his health first," Mekhiés said.
The team stressed that an premature return could jeopardise Hadjar’s long‑term ability to perform at his best, and they are unwilling to risk a situation where a rushed comeback might lead to a lingering setback. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is scheduled to start a day earlier than usual, with practice sessions slated for Wednesday and the race itself on Saturday. This event kicks off a three‑week sprint of consecutive races, followed by events in Malaysia and Singapore the following weekends.
Liam Lawson, who moved up from the sister team Racing Bulls, has been filling Hadjar’s seat. Lawson previously had a brief, turbulent two‑race stint with the senior Red Bull squad at the start of last season, and his return to the main team marks a significant vote of confidence.
Meanwhile, Yuki Tsunoda continues to drive for Racing Bulls. Lawson has already demonstrated his capability, having qualified eighth on two occasions and scoring points at both Zandvoort and the Madrid circuit, where he finished sixth. "He has done an excellent job," Mekhiés praised.
"We all know how challenging it is to jump into a different team and a different car, yet he has met and, in many ways, exceeded our expectations." Mekhiés highlighted Lawson’s performances in Madrid and Zandvoort, where the New Zealander secured valuable points, and noted that a similar result could have been achieved in Monza if not for contact with Nico Hulkenberg that caused damage to the car. "His performance this season is a marked improvement compared with the early part of 2025 when he first joined the team. We are grateful and pleased with his progress," the team principal added. Over the past year, Lawson has rebuilt his form and confidence within the Red Bull ecosystem, enjoying a steady points‑scoring run before his unexpected call‑up to the senior squad.
"He continues to grow as a driver," Mekhiés observed, referencing his work with Lawson across both Red Bull teams. "He remains calm behind the wheel, highly focused, and he keeps things simple when communicating with the engineers and when managing his own performance." According to Mekhiés, Lawson’s approach centers on mastering the fundamentals.
"He concentrates on getting the basics right, and that strategy is paying off. With more time in the car, he can add a higher level of finesse, but his current foundation is already very strong," he explained. The upcoming Azerbaijan race will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming available through NOW, offering a contract‑free option that can be cancelled at any time. Fans can look forward to a thrilling Saturday showdown as the season moves into a crucial triple‑header stretch, with the Red Bull team hoping to see Hadjar back at full strength while also applauding Lawson’s solid contributions in his temporary role.