Red Bull Racing confirmed that French driver Isack Hadjar will be back behind the wheel for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, ending a three‑race absence caused by a wrist problem. The 21‑year‑old, who has shown promise as Max Verstappen's teammate in his debut season, was forced to sit out the Dutch, Italian and Spanish rounds after the injury occurred during a fitness session in the August summer break. Hadjar's return will be marked by participation in both free‑practice sessions on Thursday at the Baku City Circuit.
The weekend's timetable has been shifted forward by a day to avoid overlapping with Azerbaijan's Remembrance Day, meaning the usual Friday activities now take place on Thursday. In a statement released on Tuesday morning, Oracle Red Bull Racing expressed enthusiasm about the young driver’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." During Hadjar's hiatus, Liam Lawson was elevated from the Racing Bulls squad to fill the vacant Red Bull seat, while reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda stepped into Lawson's position at the junior team. Red Bull praised Lawson’s contribution, noting that he performed admirably under difficult circumstances and added valuable points to the team’s tally. The organization also thanked Tsunoda for his efforts, acknowledging that his stint helped keep the team competitive while the primary driver was sidelined. Hadjar had already built a solid résumé before his injury, highlighted by a podium finish in Monaco and consistent points‑scoring runs that kept him in the top ten of the Drivers' Championship.
Prior to the summer break he was eighth overall, trailing McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by 23 points. The missed races widened that gap to 49 points, and his deficit to teammate Max Verstappen grew from 38 points after the Hungarian Grand Prix to 74 points at the time of his return. The Azerbaijan round is the opening event of a three‑race swing that will continue with races 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; Paddock Uncut at 2:00 pm. - Thursday, 24 September – F2 practice at 6:55 am; Azerbaijan GP Practice 1 at 9:30 am; F2 qualifying at 10:55 am; Team bosses' press conference at 12:00 pm; Practice 2 at 1:00 pm; The F1 Show at 2:15 pm. - Friday, 25 September – F2 sprint at 5:10 am; Practice 3 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; 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 start at 12:00 pm; Chequered flag and post‑race reaction at 2:00 pm; Ted’s Notebook at 3:00 pm.
All sessions will also be streamed live on Sky Sports Main Event. Fans can watch the race on Sky Sports F1 via the NOW streaming service, which offers a contract‑free option that can be cancelled at any time. Beyond the logistical details, Hadjar’s return carries significant implications for the championship battle.
With Red Bull aiming to consolidate its lead in the Constructors' standings, having both of its cars back on track maximises the team’s scoring potential. For Hadjar personally, the opportunity to re‑establish momentum after a three‑race hiatus is crucial. A strong performance in Baku could help him close the points gap to both his teammate and his nearest rivals, while also demonstrating his resilience after a setback.
The French driver’s rehabilitation process was overseen by Red Bull’s medical team, who cleared him for full‑time competition after a series of physiotherapy sessions and strength assessments. According to the team’s medical chief, Hadjar’s wrist has returned to its pre‑injury condition, allowing him to handle the high‑g forces and rapid steering inputs required on the demanding Baku street circuit.
In addition to the on‑track action, the weekend will feature a drivers' press conference where Hadjar is expected to discuss his recovery, his outlook for the race, and his goals for the remainder of the season. The event will also give him a chance to address any lingering questions about his fitness and to reassure sponsors and fans that he is ready to compete at the highest level.
Overall, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix promises to be a pivotal moment for Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing, and the broader Formula 1 championship narrative. With his return, the team regains a full‑strength lineup, and the young Frenchman has the chance to prove that his early season form was no fluke but a sign of a bright future in the sport.