Isack Hadjar, the young French driver who has been sharing the Red Bull garage with multiple world champion Max Verstappen, is slated to return to the Formula One grid at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku after a three‑race absence caused by a wrist injury. The 21‑year‑old, who has shown promising speed and consistency during his debut season, suffered the setback while completing a fitness routine during the summer break in August. The injury forced him to miss the Dutch, Italian and Spanish rounds, leaving the team to reshuffle its driver line‑up for those events. Hadjar's comeback will be marked by participation in both free‑practice sessions on Thursday, as the weekend schedule has been shifted forward by a day to avoid overlapping with Azerbaijan Remembrance Day.
In a statement released on Tuesday morning, Oracle Red Bull Racing expressed enthusiasm about the Frenchman'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." The team emphasized that Hadjar's health is fully restored and that he is ready to resume his duties as a full‑time race driver. During Hadjar's absence, Liam Lawson was promoted from the junior outfit Racing Bulls to fill the vacant Red Bull seat, while reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda stepped into Lawson's position at the Red Bull junior team. Red Bull praised Lawson for his professionalism and dedication, noting that he delivered "impressive performances" under challenging circumstances and contributed valuable points to the team's tally.
The organization also thanked Tsunoda for his efforts, acknowledging his role in securing points and supporting the squad over the past three races before returning to his reserve duties for both the senior and junior teams. Hadjar's first season with Red Bull has already featured several highlights, most notably a podium finish in Monaco, where he demonstrated his ability to manage the demanding street circuit and compete with the sport's elite. Prior to his injury, he was positioned eighth in the Drivers' Championship, trailing Verstappen by 38 points after the Hungarian Grand Prix, the final race before the summer hiatus.
The wrist problem, however, widened the gap to 74 points behind the Dutch driver. In the broader championship context, Hadjar sits 49 points behind McLaren's Oscar Piastri, a deficit that grew from 23 points at the time of his injury. 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 Baku circuit, known for its mix of long straights and tight, technical sections, offers ample overtaking opportunities but also demands precise car control, especially in the high‑speed sections where drivers can reach over 320 km/h. The race weekend's timetable is as follows: - Wednesday 23 September: Drivers' press conference at 11:00, followed by the Paddock Uncut interview at 14:00. - Thursday 24 September: Formula 2 practice at 06:55, Azerbaijan GP Practice One at 09:30, Formula 2 qualifying at 10:55, Team bosses' press conference at 12:00, Practice Two at 13:00, and the F1 Show at 14:15. - Friday 25 September: Formula 2 sprint race at 05:10, Practice Three at 09:30, Formula 2 Feature Race 1 at 11:10, Qualifying build‑up at 12:30, Azerbaijan GP qualifying at 13:00, and Ted's Qualifying Notebook at 15:00.
- Saturday 26 September: Formula 2 Feature Race 2 at 07:55, Grand Prix start at 10:30, and post‑race analysis throughout the afternoon. - Sunday 27 September: Full race coverage, chequered flag ceremony, and reaction segments. All sessions will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, with streaming available via NOW without a long‑term contract, allowing viewers to cancel at any time.
The network has also advised fans to use the Chrome browser for the most accessible video player experience. Beyond the immediate logistics, Hadjar's return carries strategic significance for Red Bull. The team has been locked in a tight battle with Mercedes and Ferrari for both Constructors' and Drivers' titles. Having both of its drivers at full capacity maximises the team's ability to gather data, execute optimal race strategies, and apply pressure on rival teams.
Moreover, Hadjar's youthful perspective and aggressive driving style complement Verstappen's experience, creating a dynamic pairing that can adapt to the varied demands of each circuit. Looking ahead, the next two races in Malaysia and Singapore will test the team's resilience and adaptability. Both venues feature street circuits with unique challenges: the Kuala Lumpur track emphasizes high‑downforce setups and precise braking zones, while Singapore's night race demands careful tyre management under hot, humid conditions.
Hadjar's performance in Baku will likely set the tone for his confidence and momentum heading into these subsequent events. In summary, Isack Hadjar's return to the Formula One grid at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix signals the end of a brief but impactful hiatus caused by a wrist injury sustained during off‑season training. Red Bull has expressed confidence in his full recovery, while also acknowledging the contributions of Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda during his absence.
With the championship now entering a critical phase, Hadjar's presence on the starting grid adds another variable to the ongoing contest for podiums, points, and ultimately the 2026 title.