Isack Hadjar, the young French driver who shares the Red Bull garage with five-time world champion Max Verstappen, is poised to make his comeback at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku after a three‑race absence caused by a wrist injury. The injury, which was sustained during a routine fitness session in the summer break of August, forced the 21‑year‑old to sit out the Dutch, Italian and Spanish rounds, interrupting a promising debut season. Hadjar's return will be marked by his participation in both Thursday practice sessions at the Baku City Circuit, an event that has been shifted a day earlier this year to avoid clashing with Azerbaijan Remembrance Day. 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." The team’s confidence in Hadjar’s fitness underscores the importance of his role as Verstappen's teammate, especially as the championship battle intensifies. During Hadjar's absence, Red Bull promoted Liam Lawson from its Racing Bulls (formerly known as Visa Cash App Racing Bulls) squad to fill the vacant seat. Lawson stepped in under challenging circumstances and delivered solid performances, earning praise from the team for his professionalism and dedication. In a separate note, the team thanked reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda for stepping into the junior squad for the past three races, noting that his contributions helped the team secure valuable points.
With Hadjar now cleared to race, Lawson will return to the Racing Bulls line‑up, and Tsunoda will resume his dual reserve duties for both Red Bull and its junior outfit. Hadjar's first season with Red Bull has already featured several highlights.
He secured a podium finish at the iconic Monaco Grand Prix, demonstrating his ability to extract performance from the Red Bull car on demanding circuits. Prior to his injury, he 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 the deficit to Verstappen has grown from 38 points after the Hungarian Grand Prix to 74 points at the time of his return. Despite the points loss, the team remains confident that Hadjar can quickly regain his rhythm and continue to contribute to Red Bull's overall constructor effort.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix marks the opening race of a three‑week triple‑header that will see the F1 calendar move from Baku to Malaysia and then to Singapore. The packed schedule includes multiple practice sessions, qualifying, and even a Formula 2 support program, providing fans with a full weekend of on‑track action. Key timings for the weekend are as follows: - Wednesday, 23 September: Drivers' press conference at 11:00 am, followed by the Paddock Uncut at 2:00 pm.
- Thursday, 24 September: F2 practice at 6:55 am, Azerbaijan GP Practice One at 9:30 am, F2 qualifying at 10:55 am, Team bosses' press conference at 12:00 pm, Practice Two at 1:00 pm, and The F1 Show at 2:15 pm. - Friday, 25 September: F2 sprint at 5:10 am, Practice Three at 9:30 am, F2 Feature Race 1 at 11:10 am, Qualifying build‑up at 12:30 pm, Azerbaijan GP qualifying at 1:00 pm, and 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, followed by the race itself, the chequered flag ceremony, and post‑race analysis. - Sunday, 27 September: Final race coverage and reaction segments.
All sessions will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, with streaming available via NOW for viewers who prefer an online platform. The race weekend also features a variety of ancillary content, including live updates, highlights, and expert commentary, ensuring that fans can stay engaged throughout the event.
Hadjar's return is significant not only for his personal career but also for Red Bull's strategic plans. The team has been navigating a tightly contested championship, with Verstappen holding a substantial lead but still seeking to maximize points across both drivers.
Hadjar's ability to challenge for points, especially in street circuits like Baku where overtaking opportunities are plentiful, could prove vital in closing the gap to rivals such as McLaren and Ferrari. Beyond the immediate race, Hadjar's comeback offers a narrative of resilience and determination. Recovering from a wrist injury—particularly one affecting a driver's ability to steer, shift gears, and manage the car's delicate controls—requires careful rehabilitation and a gradual return to full physical conditioning. Hadjar's successful recovery, as confirmed by Red Bull's medical team, demonstrates his commitment to the sport and his readiness to re‑engage with the intense demands of Formula 1.
In summary, the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix will see Isack Hadjar back behind the wheel of a Red Bull RB, ready to resume his maiden season's quest for points and podiums. The team has expressed gratitude to the drivers who stepped in during his absence, and the race weekend promises a full slate of action for fans worldwide. With the championship entering its final stretch, every point counts, and Hadjar's performance in Baku could shape the remainder of the 2026 season for both himself and the Red Bull camp.