Red Bull’s young French driver, Isack Hadjar, is poised to re‑enter the Formula 1 arena at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix following 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, was forced to miss the events in the Netherlands, Italy and Spain after injuring his wrist in August, when the sport took a brief summer pause for drivers to focus on conditioning.
Hadjar’s return will be marked during the two practice sessions scheduled for Thursday at the Baku City Circuit. The weekend’s timetable has been shifted a day earlier than usual to avoid overlapping with Azerbaijan’s Remembrance Day commemorations, meaning the driver will have the opportunity to get back behind the wheel ahead of the main race on Saturday. In a statement issued on Tuesday morning, Oracle Red Bull Racing expressed enthusiasm about the Frenchman’s recovery: "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’s message highlighted both the medical clearance and the driver’s readiness to resume full‑time competition. 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 spot in the junior team.
Red Bull publicly thanked Lawson for his professionalism and dedication over the three races, noting that he delivered "impressive performances" under challenging circumstances and contributed valuable points to the team’s tally. The organization also praised Tsunoda for stepping in, acknowledging his effort and the points he secured for the Racing Bulls during his stint. Hadjar’s early season had been solid, highlighted by a podium finish in Monaco that demonstrated his speed and racecraft.
Prior to his injury, he sat 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 three rounds, the deficit has expanded to 74 points, underscoring the challenge he faces in closing the gap. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix marks the opening leg of a three‑race sprint that will continue with events in Malaysia and Singapore over the following two weekends, creating a tightly packed triple‑header that could have significant implications for the 2026 championship battle.
Fans can look forward to a packed schedule, starting with a drivers’ press conference on Wednesday morning, followed by a series of practice sessions, qualifying, and support races across the F2 and F1 categories. Key moments for the weekend include: - Thursday: Two practice sessions for the Grand Prix, a team bosses’ press conference, and the start of the F2 qualifying session.
- Friday: The F2 sprint, a third practice session for the Grand Prix, and the F2 feature race, leading into the build‑up to the main qualifying session. - Saturday: The final qualifying session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, followed by the race itself, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1 and streamed via NOW.
Red Bull’s technical staff will be eager to assess Hadjar’s performance after his layoff, particularly how his wrist feels under the high‑G forces experienced during braking and cornering in Baku’s street layout. The circuit is known for its long straights and tight, twisty sections, demanding both physical stamina and precise car control. A successful return could not only boost Hadjar’s confidence but also provide Verstappen with a stronger teammate as the season progresses toward its climax. Beyond the immediate race weekend, Hadjar’s long‑term future with Red Bull appears secure.
Earlier reports confirmed his role as Verstappen’s teammate for the 2027 season, indicating the team’s confidence in his development trajectory. A strong showing in Azerbaijan would reinforce that decision and help him close the points gap that has widened during his recovery period. The Racing Bulls team also issued a statement expressing gratitude to both Lawson and Tsunoda, emphasizing the collaborative spirit within the Red Bull junior program.
"Liam returns to VCARB this weekend in Baku, with Isack having made a full recovery from his wrist injury," the team said, adding a heartfelt thank‑you to Yuki for his contributions over the past three races. Overall, the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix promises to be a pivotal moment for Isack Hadjar.
After a period of rehabilitation and the support of his teammates, he will have the chance to demonstrate that his earlier form—evident in his Monaco podium and consistent points finishes—remains intact. The race will also serve as a litmus test for Red Bull’s depth, showcasing how well the organization can adapt when a driver is forced out and then reintegrated. As the season accelerates toward its final phases, every point will matter, and Hadjar’s performance in Baku could play a crucial role in shaping both his personal championship aspirations and Red Bull’s broader title strategy.