Isack Hadjar, the young French driver who shares a Red Bull Racing garage with five-time world champion Max Verstappen, is slated to make his comeback at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after a three‑race absence caused by a wrist injury. The 21‑year‑old sustained the problem during a fitness session in the summer break of August, which forced him to miss the Dutch, Italian and Spanish rounds of the 2026 Formula One calendar. His return will be marked by participation in both Thursday practice sessions at the Baku City Circuit, an event that has been shifted a day earlier this year to avoid clashing with Azerbaijan Remembrance Day.
Red Bull issued a statement on Tuesday morning confirming Hadjar's full recovery and expressing enthusiasm about his 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," the team said.
The statement underscores the confidence the outfit has in Hadjar's fitness and readiness to re‑join the competitive fray. During Hadjar's absence, Liam Lawson was elevated from the Racing Bulls squad to fill the vacant seat at the main Red Bull team, while reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda stepped into the Racing Bulls line‑up.
Red Bull praised Lawson for his 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 his effort, acknowledging his role in securing points during the three races he covered and confirming his return to a reserve role for both Red Bull and Racing Bulls.
Hadjar's early season had been promising. He secured a podium finish in Monaco, demonstrating his speed and composure on a demanding street circuit. Up to the point of his injury, he was positioned eighth in the Drivers' Championship. However, the gap to McLaren's Oscar Piastri widened from 23 points to 49 points while he was sidelined, and his deficit to Verstappen grew from 38 points after the Hungarian Grand Prix to 74 points at the time of his return.
Despite the points loss, Hadjar's performance when he was on track showed that he could be a consistent point‑scorer and a potential challenger for higher positions as the season progresses. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is the opening race of a three‑weekend sprint that will see Formula One travel to Malaysia and Singapore. This triple‑header is expected to have a significant impact on the championship battle, especially as teams bring new upgrades and strategies to maximize points across three different circuits in rapid succession. McLaren, for instance, has announced further upgrades to the MCL40 and anticipates a tightly contested race in Baku, forecasting a four‑way battle for victory.
The weekend schedule is packed. On Wednesday, September 23, a drivers' press conference will be held at 11:00 am, followed by the Paddock Uncut at 2:00 pm.
Thursday, September 24, will feature the first two Formula 2 practice sessions, the F2 qualifying, and the main Formula 1 practice sessions starting at 9:30 am and 1:00 pm respectively, interspersed with team boss press conferences and the F1 Show. Friday's agenda includes the F2 sprint, the third practice session for the Grand Prix, the F2 feature race, and the crucial qualifying session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which determines the starting grid for the race on Saturday. The Saturday program culminates with the Grand Prix itself, scheduled for midday, followed by post‑race analysis and commentary. Fans can watch the entire weekend live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming available through NOW without a long‑term contract, offering flexibility to cancel at any time.
The broadcast will also include live coverage of the supporting Formula 2 events, providing a comprehensive view of the race weekend. Hadjar's return is more than just a personal milestone; it signals Red Bull's intent to keep both of its drivers competitive throughout the season.
With Verstappen already leading the championship comfortably, Hadjar's presence adds depth to the team's driver lineup and ensures that Red Bull can continue to challenge other manufacturers for podiums and wins. Moreover, his recovery story highlights the importance of driver fitness and the rigorous demands placed on modern F1 athletes, who must balance high‑speed performance with the physical toll of the sport. As the Baku race approaches, all eyes will be on Hadjar to see how quickly he can regain his rhythm after a month away from the car. The team will likely monitor his performance closely during the practice sessions, adjusting the car setup to accommodate any lingering concerns about his wrist while still extracting maximum performance.
If he can match or exceed his pre‑injury pace, it would not only boost his own championship hopes but also reinforce Red Bull's dominance in the Constructors' standings. In summary, Isack Hadjar's comeback at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix marks a significant moment for both the driver and the Red Bull program. After a wrist injury forced him out of three races, he is now cleared to compete, backed by a supportive team and a schedule that offers ample opportunity to prove his fitness.
With the added excitement of a three‑race sprint across Asia, the upcoming weeks promise intense competition, strategic battles, and the chance for Hadjar to re‑establish himself as a key contender in the 2026 Formula One season.