Red Bull’s young French driver Isack Hadjar is slated to rejoin the grid at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, marking his return after a three‑race absence caused by a wrist injury sustained during off‑season fitness work. The 21‑year‑old, who has shown promise as Max Verstappen’s teammate in his debut season, missed the Dutch, Italian and Spanish rounds after injuring his wrist in August while training over the summer break. Hadjar’s comeback will be confirmed during the two practice sessions scheduled for Thursday at the Baku City Circuit.
The race weekend has been shifted a day earlier than usual to avoid overlapping with Azerbaijan Remembrance Day, giving the team and driver a clear window to focus on the on‑track action. In a statement released on Tuesday morning, Oracle Red Bull Racing expressed enthusiasm about the Frenchman’s return: "Oracle Red Bull Racing is delighted to welcome Isack back this weekend. Having made a successful recovery from his wrist injury, Isack will return to action at the Baku City Circuit on Thursday." During Hadjar’s recovery period, Liam Lawson was elevated from the Racing Bulls squad to fill the vacant Red Bull seat, while reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda took Lawson’s place at the junior team. Red Bull praised Lawson’s professionalism and dedication, noting that he delivered "impressive performances" under challenging circumstances and contributed valuable points to the team.
The organization also thanked Tsunoda for stepping in over the three races, highlighting his commitment and the points he helped secure. Hadjar’s first season with Red Bull has been solid overall. He achieved a podium finish in Monaco, demonstrating his ability to compete at the front of the pack.
Before his injury, he sat eighth in the Drivers’ Championship, trailing McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by 23 points. That gap widened to 49 points during his absence, while his deficit to team‑mate Max Verstappen grew from 38 points after the Hungarian Grand Prix to 74 points now. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is the opening round of a three‑race swing that will continue with events in Malaysia and Singapore over the next two weekends, creating a crucial triple‑header that could shape the remainder of the 2026 championship battle. Fans can look forward to a packed schedule: a drivers’ press conference on Wednesday morning, followed by a series of practice sessions, qualifying, and support races across the F2 and F1 categories throughout Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
The main race is slated for Saturday midday, with live coverage on Sky Sports F1 and streaming options via NOW. In addition to the on‑track action, the weekend will feature several ancillary events, including a paddock uncut interview, a team bosses’ press conference, and the popular "The F1 Show".
The programming also includes special segments such as "Ted’s Qualifying Notebook" and "Ted’s Notebook" for post‑race analysis, ensuring fans have comprehensive coverage of every session. Red Bull’s decision to bring Hadjar back at Baku underscores the team’s confidence in his recovery and his importance to their championship strategy. With the season entering a decisive phase, every point matters, and Hadjar’s return could provide the extra firepower needed to challenge both Verstappen and the rising McLaren contenders. The team’s reserve and junior drivers have also demonstrated depth, with Lawson and Tsunoda stepping up admirably during the Frenchman’s hiatus.
Looking ahead, the triple‑header across Azerbaijan, Malaysia, and Singapore offers a unique test of consistency and adaptability for all teams. The varied circuits—from Baku’s high‑speed street layout to the tropical tracks of Sepang and Marina Bay – will demand precise car setups and strategic acumen. For Hadjar, a strong performance in Baku could reignite his momentum and close the points gap to his rivals, while also reinforcing Red Bull’s dominance in the constructors’ battle.
Overall, the upcoming weekend promises a blend of high‑octane racing, strategic intrigue, and the emotional narrative of a young driver overcoming injury to rejoin the sport he loves. Viewers can catch every moment live on Sky Sports Main Event, with additional streaming options available for those without a traditional TV contract. The stage is set, the cars are being prepared, and Isack Hadjar is ready to line up on the grid once more, eager to prove that his wrist injury is a footnote rather than a defining chapter in his promising Formula 1 career.