Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekane reiterated that the French driver Isack Hadjar’s rehabilitation will remain the top priority, and the team will not accelerate his comeback merely to fill the grid at the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Mekane explained that a series of assessments, including a dedicated simulator run, are scheduled over the next week to gauge Hadjar’s readiness before a final decision is made on his participation in Baku.
Hadjar has been sidelined for three consecutive rounds after injuring his wrist during a routine training session that took place just before the championship resumed from its summer hiatus. In his absence, Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson has been called up to fill the seat, providing the team with a temporary but capable replacement. Speaking after the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday, Mekane said the Frenchman’s recovery was proceeding exactly as anticipated.
He highlighted that a simulator session would be used as a practical test to see how Hadjar copes with the physical demands of a race car under realistic conditions. "There is nothing wrong with Isack’s recovery.
We have learned that his type of injury follows a fairly normal timeline," Mekane told reporters. "We will stick to the same methodical approach we have been using, and we will review the situation in a week’s time." The team has roughly a week—just over seven days—to monitor Hadjar’s condition, assess his comfort level, and then place him in the simulator to expose him to the stresses of a full‑scale Grand Prix environment. If the driver feels close to 100 percent, Red Bull will consider letting him race. Conversely, if any doubts remain about his full recovery, the team will continue to prioritize his health and delay his return.
"We do not want an early comeback to jeopardise his long‑term ability to perform at 100 percent," Mekane emphasized. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix, staged on Baku’s street circuit, will start a day earlier than usual, with practice sessions slated for Wednesday and the race itself on Saturday. This event kicks off a three‑race sprint that will see the championship move to Malaysia and Singapore over the following two weekends.
In Hadjar’s stead, Lawson stepped up from the sister team Racing Bulls. The New Zealander had previously tasted a brief two‑race stint with Red Bull at the start of the previous season, and his return to the senior squad comes as he once again assumes a seat that had been temporarily vacated. Yuki Tsunoda continues to drive for Racing Bulls. Lawson has already demonstrated his worth, qualifying eighth on two occasions and scoring points in both Zandvoort and the recent Madrid race, 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 team and a different car, and he has met, if not exceeded, our expectations." Mekane pointed out Lawson’s strong performances, noting the valuable points he secured in Madrid with a P6 finish and similar results in Zandvoort.
He also mentioned that Lawson might have achieved an even better result in Monza if not for contact with Nico Hulkenberg that caused damage to the car. "The pictures are completely different from the early part of the 2025 season when he was first with the team, and we are grateful for his contributions," Mekane added.
Over the past year, Lawson has rebuilt his confidence and form at Racing Bulls, enjoying a consistent points‑scoring run before his unexpected promotion back to the senior Red Bull outfit. "He continues to develop as a driver," Mekane observed, noting that he has worked with Lawson across both Red Bull teams. "He remains calm in the car and highly focused." The team principal highlighted Lawson’s disciplined approach, saying the driver keeps things simple and concentrates on the fundamentals. "He tracks well with the team, manages his own performance and the car’s behavior efficiently.
By focusing on the basics, he has been able to deliver solid results. With more time in the car, he can add another layer of finesse, but his current foundation is already very strong," Mekane explained. As the F1 season progresses, fans can follow the live action on Sky Sports F1, with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix marking the start of a triple‑header weekend from September 24‑26. The race in Baku will be held on a Saturday, and viewers can stream the coverage via NOW, with the flexibility to cancel at any time.
The focus remains on ensuring Hadjar’s health is fully restored before he returns to the cockpit, while Lawson continues to prove his mettle in the senior team during this crucial period.