Isack Hadjar, the young French driver who shares Red Bull’s top‑tier car with Max Verstappen, is slated to make his comeback at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after a three‑race absence caused by a wrist injury. The 21‑year‑old, who has shown promise throughout his debut season, suffered the setback while undertaking a fitness routine during the summer break in August. The injury forced him to miss the races in the Netherlands, Italy and Spain, but medical assessments now confirm that he has recovered fully and is ready to get back behind the wheel.
Hadjar’s return will be marked by participation in the two practice sessions scheduled for Thursday at the Baku City Circuit. The weekend’s timetable has been shifted forward by one day to avoid overlapping with Azerbaijan Remembrance Day, meaning the usual Friday practice and Saturday qualifying have been moved to Thursday and Friday respectively. Red Bull issued a statement on Tuesday morning expressing 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." During Hadjar’s absence, Liam Lawson was elevated from the Racing Bulls squad to fill his seat at Red Bull, while reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda took Lawson’s place in the junior team.
Red Bull praised Lawson’s performance, noting that he stepped in under "challenging circumstances" and delivered "impressive performances" that contributed valuable points to the team. The organization also thanked Tsunoda for his efforts, acknowledging his role in keeping the junior team competitive throughout the three races he covered. Hadjar’s first season with Red Bull has already featured several highlights, most notably a podium finish at the Monaco Grand Prix. Prior to his injury, he was sitting eighth in the Drivers’ Championship, trailing the team leader Max Verstappen by 38 points after the Hungarian Grand Prix, which was the final race before the summer hiatus.
The missed events have 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 break. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is the opening round 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 as follows: - Wednesday, 23 September – Drivers’ press conference at 11:00 am, followed by the Paddock Uncut interview at 2:00 pm. - Thursday, 24 September – F2 practice at 6:55 am, Azerbaijan GP Practice One at 9:00 am (session begins at 9:30 am), F2 qualifying at 10:55 am, Team bosses’ press conference at 12:00 pm, Practice Two at 12:30 pm (session begins at 1:00 pm), and The F1 Show at 2:15 pm. - Friday, 25 September – F2 sprint at 5:10 am, Practice Three at 9:15 am (session begins 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 build‑up at 10:30 am, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix itself at 12:00 pm, post‑race reaction at 2:00 pm, and Ted’s Notebook at 3:00 pm. All of the sessions will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, with additional streaming options available via NOW for viewers who prefer an online platform without a long‑term contract.
Beyond the logistical details, Hadjar’s return carries significant implications for the championship battle. While Verstappen remains the clear front‑runner, Red Bull’s strategy relies on a strong second driver to maximize constructor points and to apply pressure on rivals such as Ferrari, Mercedes and McLaren.
Hadjar’s ability to consistently finish in the points, as demonstrated by his Monaco podium and several top‑ten finishes, could prove decisive in the tightly contested title race. The Frenchman’s injury also sparked discussions about driver fitness regimes and the risks associated with off‑track training.
Red Bull’s medical team emphasized that the wrist injury was not a result of a crash but stemmed from a weight‑lifting session, underscoring the importance of tailored conditioning programs for elite drivers. Hadjar’s swift recovery suggests that the team’s rehabilitation protocol was both effective and carefully monitored. Fans and commentators alike are eager to see how Hadjar will perform after a month away from competitive racing. The Baku street circuit is known for its high‑speed straights, tight corners and the potential for dramatic incidents, offering a challenging environment for a driver returning from injury.
If he can quickly regain his rhythm, Hadjar could not only help Red Bull secure vital points but also re‑establish himself as a genuine contender for podiums in the remaining races of the season. In summary, Isack Hadjar’s comeback at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix marks a pivotal moment for both the driver and the Red Bull team.
After a three‑race hiatus due to a wrist injury sustained during summer training, he is cleared to race and will participate in Thursday’s practice sessions. The team has expressed gratitude to his temporary replacements, Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, for their contributions during his absence. With the championship now entering a crucial triple‑header stretch, Hadjar’s performance in Baku could influence the trajectory of the 2026 Formula 1 title fight, making his return one of the most anticipated storylines of the weekend.