Isack Hadjar, the young French driver who shares Red Bull's lead car with five-time champion Max Verstappen, is poised to re‑enter the Formula 1 paddock at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix following a three‑race absence caused by a wrist injury. The 21‑year‑old, who has shown promise throughout his debut season, sustained the injury while undertaking a fitness routine during the sport’s summer hiatus in August. The setback forced him to miss the Dutch, Italian and Spanish rounds, but medical assessments now confirm a full recovery, allowing him to line up for the two practice sessions scheduled on Thursday at the Baku City Circuit. Red Bull issued a statement on Tuesday morning expressing enthusiasm about Hadjar'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 said. The announcement highlighted the confidence the outfit has in his fitness and readiness to compete at the highest level once more.
During Hadjar’s hiatus, Liam Lawson was elevated from the Racing Bulls squad to fill the vacant seat at Red Bull, while reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda stepped into Lawson’s spot at the junior team. Red Bull praised Lawson for his professionalism and the valuable points he contributed under challenging circumstances. "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. The organization also thanked Tsunoda for his efforts, noting that the Japanese driver will resume his reserve duties for both the senior and junior outfits.
"Liam returns to VCARB this weekend in Baku, with Isack having made a full recovery from his wrist injury," Racing Bulls said. "A huge thank you to Yuki for stepping in over the past three races, giving everything for the team and scoring some very valuable points." Hadjar’s early season performance had been solid. He secured a podium finish in Monaco, demonstrating his ability to challenge the more experienced drivers. Before his injury, he sat eighth in the Drivers' Championship, trailing Verstappen by 38 points after the Hungarian Grand Prix, the final race before the summer break.
The time away has widened that gap to 74 points, and his deficit to McLaren’s Oscar Piastri has grown from 23 to 49 points, underscoring the impact of missing three crucial rounds. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix marks the opening leg of a three‑race swing that will continue with events in Malaysia and Singapore over the following two weekends. The Baku race is scheduled for Saturday, 26 September, with a full programme of practice, qualifying and support races laid out across the preceding days.
Thursday will feature the first two free‑practice sessions, while Friday will see a sprint race and a third practice session ahead of qualifying on Saturday afternoon. Beyond the on‑track action, the weekend will include a drivers' press conference on Wednesday, a paddock‑uncut interview session, and a series of team‑boss press briefings. Fans can also look forward to coverage on Sky Sports F1, with live streams and analysis provided by the network’s expert commentators.
Hadjar’s return is not only significant for his personal championship hopes but also for Red Bull’s strategic plans. The team relies on both of its drivers to gather maximum points in the Constructors' standings, and a fully fit Hadjar will allow the outfit to field its strongest possible lineup against rivals such as Mercedes, Ferrari and Alpine.
The Frenchman’s experience this season, including his ability to manage tyre wear on the abrasive Baku surface and to navigate the circuit’s high‑speed straights and tight, twisty sections, will be invaluable. In the broader context of the 2026 season, the Azerbaijan round is a pivotal moment. It follows a summer break that saw several drivers, including the likes of George Russell and Lando Norris, engage in heated on‑track battles and off‑track discussions about safety and sportsmanship.
Recent incidents, such as Franco Colapinto’s three‑car collision with Pierre Gasly and the subsequent online abuse directed at Alpine, have highlighted the intense scrutiny drivers face. Hadjar’s comeback, therefore, arrives at a time when the sport is keen to showcase resilience and professionalism. Looking ahead, Hadjar will aim to rebuild the points lost during his absence.
A strong finish in Baku could set the tone for the remaining two races in the Asian swing, where Red Bull will seek to consolidate its lead in both the Drivers' and Constructors' championships. The team’s technical staff have already been working on the car’s setup for the unique demands of the Baku circuit, focusing on aerodynamic balance for the long straight and optimal brake cooling for the heavy braking zones.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how quickly Hadjar can regain his rhythm after a three‑week layoff. While the wrist injury required a cautious rehabilitation program, modern medical support and the driver’s own dedication suggest he should be ready to compete at the level expected of a Red Bull driver.
His return will also provide an opportunity for the team to evaluate the performance of the reserve drivers who stepped in, informing future decisions about driver development and promotion within the Red Bull Racing ecosystem. In summary, Isack Hadjar’s return to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix marks a hopeful chapter for both the driver and his team. After a period of recovery, he will once again take to the streets of Baku, aiming to close the points gap to his teammates and rivals, while contributing to Red Bull’s quest for another dominant season in Formula 1.