Red Bull’s young French driver Isack Hadjar is poised to make his return to the Formula 1 grid at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after a three‑race absence caused by a wrist injury sustained during his off‑season fitness routine. The 21‑year‑old, who has been Max Verstappen’s teammate since the start of the 2026 season, missed the Dutch, Italian and Spanish rounds after the injury occurred in August, when the sport was on its summer hiatus. Hadjar’s comeback will be marked by participation in both free‑practice sessions scheduled for Thursday at the Baku City Circuit. The weekend’s timetable has been shifted a day forward to avoid overlapping with Azerbaijan’s national Remembrance Day, giving the team ample time to prepare the car for his return.
In a statement released on Tuesday morning, Oracle Red Bull Racing expressed enthusiasm about the Frenchman’s recovery, noting, “We are delighted to welcome Isack back this weekend. After a successful rehabilitation, he will be back on track at Baku on Thursday.” During Hadjar’s absence, Liam Lawson was elevated from the Racing Bulls squad to fill the vacant Red Bull seat, while reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda took over Lawson’s duties at the junior team. Red Bull praised Lawson’s professionalism and dedication, stating that he delivered “impressive performances under challenging circumstances” and contributed significantly to the team’s points tally.
The organization also extended gratitude to Tsunoda for his efforts, acknowledging his role in securing valuable points for the Racing Bulls during the three races he covered. Hadjar’s early season had been promising. He secured a podium finish at Monaco, demonstrating his speed and racecraft alongside the dominant Verstappen. Before his injury, he sat eighth in the Drivers’ Championship, trailing McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by 23 points.
The gap widened to 49 points during his time away, while his deficit to Verstappen grew from 38 points after the Hungarian Grand Prix to 74 points now. Despite the setback, the Frenchman’s performances have kept him firmly in the mix for a strong finish to the season. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix also kicks off a three‑race sprint that will see the championship move to Malaysia and Singapore over the next two weekends, a schedule that could heavily influence the title fight. Analysts suggest that the outcomes of these back‑to‑back events will shape the dynamics of the 2026 championship battle, with several teams expected to bring fresh upgrades to capitalize on the varied circuits.
Fans can look forward to a packed agenda throughout the race weekend. On Wednesday, September 23, a drivers’ press conference will be held at 11:00 am, followed by the “Paddock Uncut” interview at 2:00 pm.
Thursday’s program includes a Formula 2 practice session at 6:55 am, the first F1 practice session at 9:30 am, and a second practice session beginning at 1:00 pm, interspersed with a Formula 2 qualifying session and a team bosses’ press conference. Friday will feature the Formula 2 sprint race, a third F1 practice session, the Formula 2 feature race, and the crucial qualifying session for the Grand Prix, which starts at 1:00 pm. Saturday’s schedule culminates with the Formula 2 feature race in the morning and the Grand Prix itself at midday, followed by post‑race analysis and commentary.
All sessions will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, with streaming available via NOW without a long‑term contract. Red Bull’s technical staff have indicated that the car will be set up to accommodate Hadjar’s wrist condition, ensuring that he can operate the steering wheel and controls comfortably. The team’s medical personnel have cleared him for full‑time competition, confirming that his recovery has been thorough and that he is fit to handle the physical demands of a race weekend. In addition to the on‑track action, the weekend will feature a range of fan engagement activities, including autograph sessions, virtual pit‑lane tours, and interactive Q&A panels with drivers and engineers.
The Baku circuit, known for its tight city‑center sections and long high‑speed straights, promises a thrilling spectacle, especially as teams bring new aerodynamic packages to maximize performance on the unique layout. Overall, Isack Hadjar’s return adds an extra layer of intrigue to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. His ability to quickly regain form will be crucial not only for his personal championship aspirations but also for Red Bull’s broader strategy as the season enters its decisive phase.
Supporters and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how the French rookie adapts after his injury lay‑off and whether he can once again challenge for podium positions alongside his teammate, Max Verstappen.