Red Bull’s rising star Isack Hadjar is slated to make his comeback at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, ending a three‑race absence caused by a wrist injury sustained during off‑season fitness work. The 21‑year‑old Frenchman, who has shown promise as Max Verstappen’s teammate in his debut season, missed the Dutch, Italian and Spanish rounds after injuring his wrist in August, when the Formula 1 calendar was on its summer hiatus.
Hadjar’s return will be confirmed 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 Remembrance Day, giving the young driver a slightly altered timetable for his first laps back in the car. In a statement released 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." While Hadjar was sidelined, Liam Lawson was elevated from the Racing Bulls squad to fill his seat at the main Red Bull team. Simultaneously, reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda took over Lawson’s position in the junior outfit, ensuring that both teams retained a full driver line‑up. Red Bull praised Lawson’s contribution, noting that he stepped in under “challenging circumstances” and delivered “impressive performances,” adding that the team wishes him well as he returns to the Racing Bulls program. The organization also thanked Tsunoda for his effort over the three races, highlighting the valuable points he secured while acting as a stand‑in.
Hadjar’s first season with Red Bull has already featured a number of notable achievements. He secured a podium finish at the Monaco Grand Prix, demonstrating his ability to compete at the front of the pack.
Before his injury, he sat eighth in the Drivers’ Championship, trailing the team leader Verstappen by 38 points after the Hungarian Grand Prix, the last race before the summer break. The wrist problem has widened that gap; he is now 74 points behind the Dutch champion. In the midfield battle, his deficit to McLaren’s Oscar Piastri has grown from 23 points at the time of his injury to 49 points, reflecting the difficulty of maintaining momentum while missing three events. The Azerbaijan round marks the opening of a three‑race sprint in the Asian leg of the 2026 calendar, with Malaysia and Singapore scheduled for the following two weekends.
The packed itinerary includes multiple practice sessions, qualifying, and support races from the Formula 2 championship. Key timings are as follows: Wednesday, 23 September – drivers’ press conference at 11:00 a.m.; Thursday, 24 September – F2 practice at 6:55 a.m., Azerbaijan GP Practice One at 9:30 a.m., F2 qualifying at 10:55 a.m., team bosses’ press conference at 12:00 p.m., Practice Two at 1:00 p.m., and the F1 Show at 2:15 p.m.; Friday, 25 September – F2 sprint at 5:10 a.m., Practice Three at 9:30 a.m., F2 Feature Race 1 at 11:10 a.m., qualifying build‑up at 12:30 p.m., and the main qualifying session at 1:00 p.m.; Saturday, 26 September – F2 Feature Race 2 at 7:55 a.m., Grand Prix start at 10:30 a.m.; Sunday – race conclusion, post‑race analysis and highlights. Broadcast coverage will be provided live on Sky Sports Main Event, with additional streaming options available through NOW, allowing viewers to watch without a long‑term contract and cancel at any time. The race will be run on a Saturday, a departure from the traditional Sunday slot, aligning with the broader shift in the 2026 season schedule.
Hadjar’s return is not only a personal milestone but also a strategic boost for Red Bull. The team has been juggling driver line‑ups while maintaining a strong challenge for both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ titles. With Verstappen still firmly in the lead, a fully fit Hadjar can provide valuable support in qualifying and race strategy, potentially salvaging points that could prove decisive in the tightly contested championship battle. In summary, Isack Hadjar’s comeback at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix signals the end of a brief but impactful hiatus.
After a diligent rehabilitation program that restored his wrist to full functionality, the French driver will once again take to the demanding street circuit of Baku. The team’s statements reflect confidence in his readiness, while the temporary replacements—Lawson and Tsunoda—receive commendations for their professionalism.
Fans can look forward to a weekend filled with on‑track action, support races, and extensive media coverage, all leading into a crucial Asian swing that could shape the remainder of the 2026 Formula 1 season.