Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekane reiterated that the priority remains Isack Hadjar's full recuperation rather than rushing him back onto the grid. The French driver has been sidelined for three consecutive rounds after injuring his wrist during a routine training session that took place as the championship emerged from its summer hiatus. In his absence, Liam Lawson, who normally races for the sister team Racing Bulls, has been called up to fill the vacant seat.
Mekane addressed the media after the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday, confirming that Hadjar's healing process is proceeding according to the schedule set by the medical staff. He added that the team intends to run a simulator session in the coming days to gauge the youngster's readiness for a possible appearance at the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku.
"There is nothing wrong with Isack's recovery. We have learned that the timeline is typical for the type of injury he suffered," Mekane said. "Consequently, we will stick with the same method we have been using and reassess the situation in a week’s time." The team has roughly a week—actually a little more than a full week—before the next race weekend to monitor how Hadjar feels, to place him in the simulator and to expose him to realistic driving constraints.
If the Frenchman reports that he feels close to 100 percent, Red Bull will consider letting him race. If he indicates that his wrist has not yet fully healed, the squad will maintain its cautious approach and keep the driver out of competition.
"We do not want an early comeback to jeopardise his long‑term ability to perform at 100 percent," Mekane emphasized. The Azerbaijan event, staged on Baku's street circuit, will start a day earlier than usual, with practice scheduled for Wednesday and the race on Saturday. It marks the first leg of a three‑race sprint that will continue with events in Malaysia and Singapore over the following two weekends. In the meantime, Lawson has stepped up from Racing Bulls to cover for Hadjar.
The New Zealand driver previously enjoyed a brief, ill‑fated two‑race stint with the senior Red Bull team at the start of the 2025 season. Yuki Tsunoda continues to drive for Racing Bulls.
Lawson has already impressed the senior team, having qualified eighth on two occasions and scoring points at both Zandvoort and the Spanish Grand Prix, where he finished sixth. "He has done a very good job," Mekane praised. "We all know how challenging it is to jump into a different car and a different team, and he has met, if not exceeded, our expectations. He secured valuable points in Madrid with a P6 finish and delivered a similar performance in Zandvoort.
In Monza, he would likely have achieved comparable results if not for the contact with Nico Hulkenberg that caused damage." Mekane highlighted that Lawson's recent form at Racing Bulls has been on an upward trajectory. Over the past year the Kiwi driver has rebuilt confidence and consistency, turning what began as an uncertain season into a steady points‑scoring campaign before his unexpected promotion back to the senior Red Bull outfit. "He continues to develop as a driver," Mekane added, noting his long‑standing relationship with Lawson across both Red Bull teams. "He is calm in the car, very focused, and he keeps things simple.
He works closely with the engineers and concentrates on the fundamentals, which is clearly paying off. With more seat time, he will inevitably add another layer of finesse to his driving, but his foundation is already very strong." The upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, kicking off the triple‑header of races from 24 to 26 September.
Viewers can stream the action via NOW, with the flexibility to cancel at any time. The race will be held on a Saturday, a departure from the usual Sunday schedule, adding an extra twist to the weekend's programming. In summary, Red Bull remains steadfast in its commitment to Hadjar's health, opting for a measured, data‑driven approach that includes a simulator assessment and a week‑long observation period.
Should the driver demonstrate full fitness, he could return to the cockpit in Baku; otherwise, the team will continue to prioritize his long‑term wellbeing. Meanwhile, Liam Lawson's solid performances have earned him commendation from the senior team, reinforcing Red Bull's depth of talent and its ability to adapt when unforeseen circumstances arise.