Red Bull’s rising French star Isack Hadjar is slated to get back behind the wheel at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, ending a three‑race hiatus caused by a wrist injury sustained during off‑season fitness work. The 21‑year‑old, who has impressed in his debut season as Max Verstappen’s teammate, missed the Dutch, Italian and Spanish rounds after the injury occurred in August, when he was training during Formula 1’s summer break. Hadjar’s return will be marked by participation in the two Thursday practice sessions at the Baku City Circuit, a schedule that has been shifted a day earlier this year to avoid clashing with Azerbaijan’s Remembrance Day.
In a statement released on Tuesday morning, Oracle Red Bull Racing expressed its enthusiasm: “We are 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 absence, Liam Lawson was promoted from the Racing Bulls squad to fill the vacant Red Bull seat, while reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda stepped into Lawson’s role 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 for the team. The organization also thanked Tsunoda for his efforts, acknowledging his “hard work” and the points he secured over the three races he covered.
Hadjar’s first season with Red Bull has already featured several highlights, most notably a podium finish in Monaco. Prior to his injury, he was sitting eighth in the Drivers’ Championship, trailing McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by 23 points. That gap widened to 49 points while he was sidelined.
Before the summer break, he was 38 points behind Verstappen after the Hungarian Grand Prix; now, after missing the three intervening races, the deficit has grown to 74 points. The Azerbaijan round kicks off a three‑race sprint that will see the championship move to Malaysia and Singapore over the following two weekends. The packed schedule includes a drivers’ press conference on Wednesday, multiple practice sessions, qualifying, and a full slate of Formula 2 support races throughout the weekend. The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1 and streamed via NOW, with no long‑term contract required.
Beyond the immediate excitement of Hadjar’s return, his comeback underscores Red Bull’s depth of talent and the flexibility of its driver programme. The team’s ability to shuffle drivers between its senior and junior outfits without compromising performance highlights a robust development pipeline. Lawson’s stint in the senior car demonstrated that the Racing Bulls lineup can produce drivers capable of handling the pressures of a top‑tier Formula 1 seat, while Tsunoda’s contributions reinforced his value as a reliable reserve. Looking ahead, Hadjar’s recovery will be closely monitored by both the team and the broader paddock.
A fully healed wrist is essential not only for steering precision but also for the physical demands of operating the high‑G‑force car over a race distance. Medical staff have cleared him, and the practice sessions in Baku will serve as a final check before he lines up for the race on Saturday.
If Hadjar can regain his pre‑injury pace, he could play a pivotal role in Red Bull’s championship strategy. While Verstappen remains the clear title favourite, a strong second driver can provide strategic flexibility, aid in team orders, and potentially challenge for podiums when the opportunity arises. Moreover, a healthy Hadjar will keep the team’s driver market options open for the 2027 season, where he is already confirmed as Verstappen’s teammate.
Fans and analysts will also be watching how the Frenchman adapts to the unique demands of the Baku street circuit, known for its long straight, tight corners, and high‑speed sections that test both car and driver. Success here could boost his confidence and momentum heading into the subsequent Asian races, where the championship battle is expected to intensify.
In summary, Isack Hadjar’s return to the grid at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix marks a significant milestone in his rookie campaign. After a wrist injury forced him out of three consecutive events, he is now cleared to resume full‑time competition, with Red Bull and its junior affiliates expressing gratitude to the drivers who stepped up in his absence.
The upcoming weekend promises not only a thrilling race in Baku but also a chance for Hadjar to re‑establish himself as a key contender in the 2026 Formula 1 season.