Isack Hadjar, the young French driver who has spent his rookie year alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull, is poised to get back behind the wheel at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after a three‑race absence caused by a wrist problem. The injury was sustained during a fitness session in the August summer break, forcing him to sit out the Dutch, Italian and Spanish rounds.
Now, with medical clearance and a full recovery, Hadjar will take part in the two practice sessions scheduled for Thursday at the Baku City Circuit, as the weekend’s timetable has been shifted forward to avoid overlapping with Azerbaijan Remembrance Day. Red Bull issued a statement on Tuesday morning that read, "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 also expressed gratitude to the drivers who filled the gap during Hadjar's convalescence. Liam Lawson, promoted from the Racing Bulls squad, stepped into Hadjar's Red Bull seat for the three missed events, while reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda covered Lawson's position in the junior team. 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 Racing Bulls organization echoed the sentiment, thanking both Lawson and Tsunoda for their efforts. "Liam returns to VCARB this weekend in Baku, with Isack having made a full recovery from his wrist injury," the team said, adding a special acknowledgment for Tsunoda: "A huge thank you to Yuki for stepping in over the past three races, giving everything for the team and scoring some very valuable points." Hadjar's first season with Red Bull has been promising despite his youth.
He secured a podium finish in Monaco, demonstrating the speed and composure required to compete at the highest level. 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 time away, and his deficit to Verstappen grew from 38 points after the Hungarian Grand Prix to 74 points now. Nevertheless, the Frenchman remains a key part of Red Bull's long‑term plans, having already been confirmed as Verstappen's teammate for the 2027 season.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix marks the opening race of a three‑weekend sprint that will continue in Malaysia and Singapore. The schedule for the Baku weekend is packed: - Wednesday, 23 September: Drivers' press conference at 11:00 am.
- Thursday, 24 September: F2 practice, Azerbaijan GP Practice One at 9:30 am, F2 qualifying, team bosses' press conference, Practice Two at 1:00 pm, and the F1 Show at 2:15 pm. - Friday, 25 September: F2 sprint, Practice Three at 9:30 am, F2 Feature Race 1, Qualifying build‑up, and the official qualifying session for the Grand Prix. - Saturday, 26 September: F2 Feature Race 2, the Grand Prix itself at midday, followed by post‑race analysis and commentary.
- Sunday, 27 September: Final race reactions and wrap‑up coverage. All sessions will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, with streaming available via NOW without a long‑term contract. Hadjar's return is significant not only for his personal championship hopes but also for Red Bull's strategic positioning in the 2026 title fight.
The team currently leads the Constructors' standings, but the loss of points during his absence has tightened the battle with Ferrari and Mercedes. By re‑entering the car in Baku, Hadjar will have the chance to score crucial points, support Verstappen's campaign, and continue building the experience that will serve him well in the upcoming 2027 season. Beyond the immediate race, Hadjar's comeback highlights the importance of driver fitness and injury management in modern Formula 1. Wrist injuries, while less dramatic than fractures or concussions, can severely limit a driver's ability to steer, shift gears and manage the complex controls of a contemporary F1 car.
The team's medical staff worked closely with Hadjar throughout his rehabilitation, employing physiotherapy, strength training and gradual on‑track testing to ensure a safe return. Their success underscores the sophisticated support structures that top teams maintain to protect their athletes. Looking ahead, the triple‑header of races in Baku, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore will test teams' logistical capabilities, car reliability and driver stamina.
The tight turnaround between events means that any lingering issues—mechanical or physical—must be addressed swiftly. For Hadjar, the next few weeks will be a critical period to regain momentum, close the points gap to his rivals, and demonstrate that his early-season form can be sustained despite the setback. In summary, Isack Hadjar's anticipated appearance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix represents a triumphant return from injury, a reaffirmation of Red Bull's confidence in his talent, and an essential step in the broader narrative of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Fans can look forward to seeing the 21‑year‑old Frenchman back in the Red Bull livery, ready to compete for podiums, contribute to the team's championship aspirations, and continue his development as one of the sport's rising stars.