Isack Hadjar, the young French driver who shares Red Bull's premier team with Max Verstappen, is slated to get back behind the wheel at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku after a three‑race absence caused by a wrist problem. The 21‑year‑old made his debut in Formula One earlier this season and has already shown he can hold his own alongside the two‑time world champion, but a training‑related injury forced him to miss the Dutch, Italian and Spanish rounds. The setback occurred during the summer break in August when Hadjar was undertaking a routine fitness routine.
A slip or an awkward movement resulted in a strain to his wrist, sidelining him for the remainder of the summer sprint. Red Bull's medical team monitored his progress closely, and after a series of physiotherapy sessions and strength‑building exercises, the team announced that Hadjar had made a full recovery and would be fit to compete at the Baku City Circuit. His return will be marked by participation in both Thursday practice sessions, which have 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 comeback: "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." While Hadjar was out, Liam Lawson was promoted from the Racing Bulls squad to fill his seat at Red Bull Racing. Lawson performed admirably under pressure, delivering solid lap times and contributing valuable points to the team. At the same time, reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda stepped into the junior team, Racing Bulls, and helped keep the operation running smoothly. Red Bull publicly thanked both drivers for their professionalism and dedication, noting that Lawson's performances were "impressive" given the challenging circumstances and that Tsunoda's effort "gave everything for the team and scored very valuable points." Hadjar's early season record was respectable.
He secured a podium finish in Monaco, demonstrating his ability to extract performance from the Red Bull car on a street circuit similar to Baku. Prior to his injury, he sat eighth in the Drivers' Championship, trailing McLaren's Oscar Piastri by 23 points.
That gap widened to 49 points during his time away, and his deficit to teammate Max Verstappen grew from 38 points after the Hungarian Grand Prix to 74 points now that he has missed three races. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix marks the opening of a three‑race swing that will continue with events in Malaysia and Singapore over the next two weekends.
The schedule for the Baku weekend is packed: a drivers' press conference on Wednesday morning, followed by a full day of practice, qualifying and sprint sessions on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. All sessions will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1 and streamed via NOW, with no long‑term contract required. Beyond the immediate racing action, Hadjar's return carries strategic significance for Red Bull.
The team relies on a strong second driver to maximise points in the Constructors' Championship, and Hadjar's ability to challenge for podiums and occasionally contest Verstappen's pace can make a difference in the tight title fight against Mercedes and Ferrari. Moreover, his recovery story underscores the importance of driver fitness programs and the rigorous medical protocols that modern F1 teams employ to safeguard their athletes. Looking ahead, Hadjar will need to quickly reacclimate to race pace after a month away from competitive track time.
The Baku circuit is known for its long straight, tight turns and high‑speed sections that test both car balance and driver confidence. A fully recovered wrist will be essential for the precise steering inputs required through the narrow old city section and for managing the heavy braking zones that often lead to overtaking opportunities.
Fans and commentators alike will be watching to see how quickly he can regain his rhythm. If his performance mirrors the strong showing he delivered before his injury, Red Bull could once again count on a reliable second‑place finisher to bolster their points haul. Conversely, any lingering discomfort or hesitation could open the door for rivals to close the gap in both the Drivers' and Constructors' standings. In summary, Isack Hadjar's comeback at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix is a welcome development for Red Bull and for the sport.
After a diligent rehabilitation process, the Frenchman is set to rejoin the grid, bringing his youthful energy and proven speed back to the team. With the next three races forming a critical phase of the 2026 season, his presence could prove pivotal as Red Bull aims to maintain its dominance in a fiercely competitive championship.