Red Bull’s young French driver Isack Hadjar is slated to make his return to the Formula 1 grid at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after missing three rounds while recuperating from a wrist injury. The 21‑year‑old, who has shown promise in his debut season alongside team leader Max Verstappen, was forced to sit out the Dutch, Italian and Spanish Grands Prix after injuring his wrist during a fitness session in the summer break of August.
Hadjar’s comeback will be marked by his participation in 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. In a statement released on Tuesday morning, Oracle Red Bull Racing expressed enthusiasm about the young driver’s return: "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 the vacant Red Bull seat, while reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda took over Lawson’s position at the junior team.
Red Bull praised Lawson’s effort, noting that he performed admirably under challenging circumstances and contributed valuable points for the team. The organization also thanked Tsunoda for his dedication, acknowledging his role in securing points during the three races he covered.
The Frenchman’s first season with Red Bull has been solid overall. He secured a podium finish in Monaco, demonstrating his ability to compete at the front of the pack. Before his injury, Hadjar sat eighth in the Drivers’ Championship, trailing McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by 23 points.
Since his withdrawal, that gap has widened to 49 points, while his deficit to team mate Max Verstappen has grown from 38 points after the Hungarian Grand Prix to 74 points at present. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix marks the opening round of a three‑race swing that will continue with events in Malaysia and Singapore over the next two weekends.
The full schedule for the Baku weekend is as follows: - Wednesday, 23 September – 11:00 am Drivers’ Press Conference; 2:00 pm Paddock Uncut. - Thursday, 24 September – 6:55 am F2 Practice; 9:00 am Azerbaijan GP Practice 1 (starts at 9:30 am); 10:55 am F2 Qualifying; 12:00 pm Team Bosses’ Press Conference; 12:30 pm Azerbaijan GP Practice 2 (starts at 1:00 pm); 2:15 pm The F1 Show. - Friday, 25 September – 5:10 am F2 Sprint; 9:15 am Azerbaijan GP Practice 3 (starts at 9:30 am); 11:10 am F2 Feature Race 1; 12:30 pm Azerbaijan GP Qualifying build‑up; 1:00 pm Azerbaijan GP Qualifying; 3:00 pm Ted’s Qualifying Notebook. - Saturday, 26 September – 7:55 am F2 Feature Race 2; 10:30 am Grand Prix (race start).
- Sunday – Post‑race analysis, including the Chequered Flag reaction and Ted’s Notebook. All sessions will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, with streaming options available via NOW without a long‑term contract. Viewers are advised to use the Chrome browser for optimal video playback.
Hadjar’s return is significant not only for his personal championship hopes but also for Red Bull’s strategic plans. The team has been navigating a tightly contested midfield battle, with McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes all vying for podium positions. Hadjar’s ability to score points consistently will be crucial in narrowing the gap to both his teammate and rivals. Moreover, his performance in the street‑circuit of Baku—a track known for its high‑speed straights, tight corners, and the infamous long tunnel—will provide valuable data for the team as they prepare for the upcoming Asian swing.
Beyond the on‑track action, the weekend will feature a range of off‑track activities, including press conferences, fan engagements, and technical briefings. The Drivers’ Press Conference on Wednesday will give the media a chance to question the top contenders about their strategies and expectations heading into the triple‑header.
Meanwhile, the Team Bosses’ Press Conference on Thursday will likely focus on the logistical challenges of back‑to‑back races across different continents. In summary, Isack Hadjar’s return to the cockpit at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix signals the end of his recovery period and the resumption of his campaign for points. Red Bull has expressed confidence in his fitness and readiness, while the team’s interim drivers have earned commendations for their contributions.
Fans can look forward to a weekend packed with practice sessions, qualifying drama, and a thrilling race that will set the tone for the next two events in the 2026 Formula 1 calendar.