Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekhié emphasized that the French driver Isack Hadjar's rehabilitation will remain the top priority, and the team will not accelerate his comeback simply to fill the grid. The decision on whether Hadjar will take part in the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be made after a series of assessments, including a dedicated simulator session, are completed in the coming days. Hadjar has been absent from the last three Grand Prix events after injuring his wrist during a routine training run that took place just before the sport resumed following its summer hiatus. In his stead, Liam Lawson, who normally competes for the sister team Racing Bulls, has been called up to fill the vacant seat.
Lawson's temporary promotion marks his return to a Red Bull‑run car after a brief and troubled two‑race spell at the start of the previous season, while Yuki Tsunoda continues to race for Racing Bulls. Speaking after the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday, Mekhié said the recovery process is proceeding exactly as planned. He added that a simulator run has been scheduled to gauge Hadjar's physical condition and to see how the driver copes with the specific demands of the Baku street circuit. "There is nothing wrong with Isack's recovery.
We have learned that this type of injury follows a fairly normal timeline," Mekhié explained. "We will keep the same approach we have been using and reassess the situation in about a week." The team now has a little more than seven days to monitor Hadjar's progress, evaluate any lingering discomfort, and run him through the virtual environment that replicates the real‑world constraints of the Azerbaijan track.
"If he feels close to 100 percent, we will let him race. If he feels the recovery is not yet complete, we will stick to our principle of putting his health first," Mekhié continued. "We do not want an early return to jeopardise his long‑term ability to perform at full capacity." The Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be held on the iconic Baku street circuit, with practice sessions beginning on Wednesday and the race scheduled for Saturday—a departure from the usual Sunday slot. This event kicks off a three‑weekend sprint of races that will also include stops in Malaysia and Singapore, creating a demanding travel and performance schedule for all teams.
Lawson's performance in Hadjar's absence has been praised by Mekhié. The New Zealander has already qualified eighth on two occasions and has collected points in both the Dutch and Spanish rounds, finishing sixth in Madrid. "He has done a very good job," Mekhié said.
"Switching to a different team and a different car is never easy, but he has met, and in some cases exceeded, our expectations. He secured valuable points in Madrid with a P6 finish and delivered a similar result in Zandvoort. In Monza, he would likely have repeated that performance if not for the contact with Nico Hulkenberg that caused damage." Mekhié highlighted the stark contrast between Lawson's early 2025 outings with the senior Red Bull squad and his current form, noting that the driver has grown considerably over the past year.
"He has rebuilt his confidence at Racing Bulls and was already enjoying a consistent points‑scoring season before this unexpected call‑up," the team principal added. "He remains calm, focused, and very methodical in the car. He keeps things simple, concentrating on the fundamentals, and that approach is clearly paying off. With more time behind the wheel, we expect him to add another layer of finesse to his driving style." The decision on Hadjar's participation will hinge on a combination of medical clearance, his subjective feeling of readiness, and the data gathered from the simulator runs.
Red Bull's medical team will conduct thorough examinations of his wrist strength, range of motion, and any lingering pain, while the performance engineers will analyze how well he can manage the high‑g forces and rapid directional changes that the Baku circuit demands. If Hadjar is deemed fit, he will join the grid for a race that starts earlier than usual, adding an extra logistical challenge for the team. The Baku circuit is renowned for its long straight, tight corners, and the potential for sudden safety‑car periods, all of which require a driver to be at peak physical condition and mental sharpness. Should the team decide to keep Hadjar sidelined for another race, Lawson will continue to gain valuable experience in the senior Red Bull car, further strengthening his résumé and providing the team with a reliable backup option.
Either scenario underscores Red Bull's commitment to balancing competitive ambition with the long‑term health of its drivers. Fans can follow the live coverage of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sky Sports F1, which will broadcast the event as part of a triple‑header weekend running from September 24 to 26. The race will be streamed via NOW, offering a contract‑free option that can be cancelled at any time.