Isack Hadjar, the young French driver who shares Red Bull's top‑tier car with Max Verstappen, is slated to return to the grid at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after missing three rounds while recovering from a wrist problem. The 21‑year‑old had been 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. His comeback will be marked by participation in both Thursday practice sessions at the Baku City Circuit, as the event’s timetable has been shifted forward by a day to avoid overlapping with Azerbaijan Remembrance Day.
Red Bull issued a statement on Tuesday morning confirming the news. "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 said.
The message underscored the confidence the outfit has in Hadjar’s fitness and readiness to re‑join the competitive pack. During Hadjar's absence, Liam Lawson was promoted from the Racing Bulls squad to fill the vacant seat at Red Bull, while reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda stepped into the Racing Bulls car. Red Bull expressed gratitude to both stand‑ins, praising Lawson for his professionalism and dedication under challenging circumstances, and thanking Tsunoda for delivering valuable points and effort while acting as a reserve for both the senior and junior teams.
"Stepping in under challenging circumstances, he delivered some impressive performances and made a valuable contribution to the team. We wish him all the very best as he returns to Visa Cash App Racing Bulls," the team added. Hadjar’s first season with Red Bull has been solid, highlighted by a podium finish in Monaco and a steady accumulation of points that kept him in the upper midfield. Before his injury, he was eighth in the Drivers' Championship, trailing the team leader Verstappen by 38 points after the Hungarian Grand Prix, the final race before the summer hiatus.
The time away has widened that gap; he now finds himself 74 points behind Verstappen and 49 points behind McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, who had been his closest rival before the setback. The Azerbaijan round is the opening leg of a three‑race swing that will continue in Malaysia and Singapore over the next two weekends.
The schedule for the Baku weekend is packed, beginning with a drivers' press conference on Wednesday morning, followed by a series of practice sessions, qualifying, and the race itself on Saturday. Notably, the event includes support races from the Formula 2 championship, with practice, sprint, and feature races interspersed throughout the weekend, all of which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and streamed via NOW. Beyond the immediate return, Hadjar’s recovery process offers insight into the physical demands placed on modern F1 drivers.
Wrist injuries can be particularly problematic because drivers rely heavily on precise hand movements to control the steering wheel, which houses a multitude of controls for brake balance, engine mapping, and radio communication. A successful rehabilitation typically involves a combination of physiotherapy, strength training, and gradual re‑introduction to high‑G forces experienced on track.
Hadjar’s swift return suggests that his medical team managed a balanced program that restored both strength and flexibility without compromising his confidence behind the wheel. From a strategic perspective, Red Bull will be keen to assess Hadjar’s performance in the practice sessions to gauge his readiness for qualifying and the race.
The Baku circuit is notorious for its long straight, tight city‑centre sections, and frequent safety‑car periods, which demand a blend of raw speed and precise car control. A strong showing could help him regain lost ground in the championship battle, while any lingering discomfort could prompt a cautious approach. Fans and commentators have also noted the broader narrative surrounding the weekend.
The event has already generated headlines due to a dramatic qualifying crash involving Kimi Antonelli, as well as a heated exchange between George Russell and his teammate over the fight for victory. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton’s qualifying performance sparked debate after a tow‑less Q3 left him starting sixth, prompting the Ferrari driver to comment on strategic adjustments made by the team. Overall, Hadjar’s return adds another layer of intrigue to an already eventful Grand Prix weekend.
His ability to quickly get back up to speed will be a testament to his resilience and the support structure within Red Bull. As the Baku race kicks off, all eyes will be on the Frenchman to see whether he can convert his recovery into competitive lap times and potentially climb back up the points ladder, keeping his championship aspirations alive despite the setbacks he has endured.