Red Bull’s young French driver, Isack Hadjar, is poised to get back behind the wheel at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix following a three‑race absence caused by a wrist problem. The 21‑year‑old, who has shown promise in his debut season as Max Verstappen’s teammate, injured his wrist while undertaking fitness work during the summer break in August. The setback forced him to miss the Dutch, Italian and Spanish rounds, but medical staff have now cleared him for a full‑scale return. Hadjar’s first appearance back in the cockpit will be during the two practice sessions scheduled for Thursday at the Baku City Circuit.
The race weekend has been shifted forward by a day to avoid overlapping with Azerbaijan’s Remembrance Day, meaning the usual Friday‑Saturday‑Sunday format has been compressed into Thursday‑Saturday. Red Bull released a statement on Tuesday morning confirming the news: "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." During Hadjar’s absence, Liam Lawson was elevated from the Racing Bulls squad to fill his seat at Red Bull, while reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda took Lawson’s place in 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 stepping in over the three races, highlighting his commitment and the points he helped secure. The Frenchman’s first season with Red Bull has already featured several highlights, most notably a podium finish at the Monaco Grand Prix.
Prior to his injury, Hadjar was 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 at the start of the Baku weekend. Despite the points loss, the team remains confident that Hadjar’s return will bolster their midfield push and provide additional data for car development. The Azerbaijan round marks the opening leg of a three‑race sprint that will continue in Malaysia and Singapore over the next two weekends.
The packed schedule includes a series of practice sessions, qualifying, and support series events such as Formula 2. Key timings are as follows: - Wednesday, 23 September: Drivers’ press conference at 11:00 am. - Thursday, 24 September: F2 practice at 6:55 am, Azerbaijan GP Practice One at 9:00 am (session begins 9:30 am), F2 qualifying at 10:55 am, Team bosses’ press conference at 12:00 pm, Practice Two at 12:30 pm (session begins 1:00 pm), and The F1 Show at 2:15 pm. - Friday, 25 September: F2 sprint at 5:10 am, Practice Three at 9:15 am (session begins 9:30 am), F2 feature race at 11:10 am, qualifying build‑up at 12:30 pm, Azerbaijan GP qualifying at 1:00 pm, followed by Ted’s Qualifying Notebook at 3:00 pm.
- Saturday, 26 September: F2 Feature Race 2 at 7:55 am, Grand Prix start at 10:30 am, and the race itself at midday. - Sunday, 27 September: Post‑race analysis, chequered‑flag reaction and additional commentary. All sessions will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, with streaming available via NOW without a long‑term contract. Fans are encouraged to use the Chrome browser for the most accessible video player experience.
Hadjar’s comeback is not only a personal milestone but also a strategic boost for Red Bull as they navigate the tightly contested 2026 championship battle. The team’s management has already confirmed Hadjar as Verstappen’s teammate for the 2027 season, underscoring their confidence in his long‑term potential.
With the triple‑header format adding extra pressure on drivers and engineers alike, having both primary drivers at full fitness will be crucial for accumulating points across the three venues. In addition to the on‑track action, the weekend will feature a series of off‑track events, including press conferences, sponsor engagements, and fan zones in Baku. The city’s iconic skyline, illuminated by the historic Flame Towers, provides a dramatic backdrop for the race, which has become known for its high‑speed straights and tight, technical sections that test driver skill and car balance. Overall, the return of Isack Hadjar injects fresh excitement into the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend.
His recovery narrative, combined with the high‑stakes nature of the upcoming triple header, promises a compelling storyline for spectators, commentators, and the broader Formula 1 community. The race will be a litmus test for Red Bull’s depth, showing how well the team can adapt when a key driver is temporarily sidelined and then reintegrated into the championship fight.