Red Bull’s young French driver, Isack Hadjar, is slated to get back behind the wheel at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix following a three‑race absence caused by a wrist problem. The 21‑year‑old, who has shown promise in his debut season as Max Verstappen’s teammate, injured his wrist while completing a fitness routine during the summer break in August.
The setback forced him to sit out the Dutch, Italian and Spanish rounds, but medical staff cleared him to race again, and he will take part in Thursday’s two practice sessions at the Baku City Circuit. The return comes as the weekend’s timetable has been shifted forward by a day to avoid overlapping with Azerbaijan’s national Remembrance Day.
In a statement released on Tuesday morning, Oracle Red Bull Racing expressed enthusiasm about Hadjar’s recovery: "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 praised the young driver’s resilience and highlighted the importance of his presence for the championship battle.
During Hadjar’s absence, Liam Lawson was elevated from the Racing Bulls program to fill the vacant Red Bull seat, while reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda stepped into Lawson’s role at the junior squad. Red Bull issued a note of gratitude to Lawson, stating: "The team would like to sincerely thank Liam for his professionalism, dedication and hard work over the past three races.
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 organization also thanked Tsunoda for his effort, confirming that he will resume his reserve duties for both the senior and junior teams. Hadjar’s first half of the season had been solid. He secured a podium finish in Monaco, demonstrating that he could contend with the sport’s elite.
Prior to his injury, he sat eighth in the Drivers’ Championship, trailing Verstappen by 38 points after the Hungarian Grand Prix, the last race before the summer hiatus. The wrist injury widened the gap to 74 points behind the Dutch champion and also increased his deficit to McLaren’s Oscar Piastri from 23 to 49 points. Despite the points loss, the team remains confident that Hadjar can regain momentum once he is back on track.
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 schedule for the Baku weekend is packed with activity: a drivers’ press conference on Wednesday morning, followed by a series of practice sessions, qualifying, and the main race on Saturday.
The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1 and streamed via NOW, offering fans a chance to watch the drama unfold without a long‑term contract. Beyond the immediate race weekend, Hadjar’s return carries strategic significance for Red Bull’s championship campaign. With Verstappen already leading the standings, having a fully fit second driver is crucial for gathering constructor points and providing tactical options during races.
Hadjar’s ability to challenge for podiums can also relieve pressure on Verstappen, especially in tight qualifying sessions where the team aims to lock out the front row. In addition to the on‑track implications, Hadjar’s comeback story adds a human element to the sport’s narrative. Recovering from a wrist injury—particularly one sustained during off‑season training—requires not only physical rehabilitation but also mental fortitude.
The driver’s dedication to a rigorous rehab program, combined with the support of Red Bull’s medical team, illustrates the resilience required at the highest level of motorsport. Fans can look forward to seeing Hadjar’s driving style back in action: a blend of aggressive overtaking, precise corner entry, and a willingness to push the limits of the RB19 chassis. His performance in the practice sessions will be closely watched, as engineers will assess whether his lap times match pre‑injury benchmarks and how quickly he can adapt to the street‑circuit’s unique demands, including the long straight down the seaside promenade and the tight, high‑speed turns through the historic city center.
Overall, the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix promises to be a pivotal moment for Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing, and the broader Formula 1 championship picture. With the driver cleared to race, the team’s gratitude toward interim replacements, and a packed schedule that sets the tone for the next two races, the weekend is set to deliver excitement, strategic intrigue, and a compelling comeback narrative for one of the sport’s rising stars.