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 injury sustained during his off‑season fitness routine. The 21‑year‑old, who has shown promise as Max Verstappen’s teammate in his debut season, missed the Dutch, Italian and Spanish rounds after injuring his wrist in August while training over the summer break. Hadjar’s return will be confirmed during the two practice sessions scheduled for Thursday at the Baku City Circuit. The race weekend’s timetable has been shifted forward by a day to avoid conflicting with Azerbaijan Remembrance Day, giving the Frenchman an early opportunity to test his recovery on the track.
In a statement released on Tuesday morning, Oracle Red Bull Racing expressed enthusiasm about the young driver’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." During Hadjar’s absence, Liam Lawson was elevated from the Racing Bulls squad to fill the vacant Red Bull seat, while reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda took over Lawson’s position at the junior team. Red Bull praised Lawson’s performance, noting that he stepped in under challenging circumstances and delivered “impressive performances” that contributed significantly to the team’s points tally.
The team also extended gratitude to Tsunoda for his efforts, acknowledging the valuable points he secured while serving as a stand‑in. "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 statement read.
The Racing Bulls organization echoed this sentiment, thanking both Lawson and Tsunoda for their professionalism and dedication during the three‑race stint. Hadjar’s early season had been solid, highlighted by a podium finish in Monaco that demonstrated his speed and racecraft. Prior to his injury, he sat eighth in the Drivers’ Championship, trailing McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by 23 points. The gap, however, widened to 49 points during his time away, and his deficit to team‑mate Max Verstappen grew from 38 points after the Hungarian Grand Prix to 74 points at the start of the Baku weekend.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix marks the opening event of a three‑race swing that will continue with stops in Malaysia and Singapore over the next two weekends. The schedule for the Baku weekend is packed with action: - Wednesday, September 23: Drivers’ press conference at 11:00 am, followed by the Paddock Uncut at 2:00 pm.
- Thursday, September 24: F2 practice at 6:55 am, Azerbaijan GP Practice One at 9:30 am, F2 qualifying at 10:55 am, Team Bosses’ press conference at noon, Practice Two at 12:30 pm (starting at 1:00 pm), and The F1 Show at 2:15 pm. - Friday, September 25: F2 sprint at 5:10 am, Practice Three 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, September 26: F2 Feature Race 2 at 7:55 am, Grand Prix build‑up at 10:30 am, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix itself at noon, followed by post‑race reaction at 2:00 pm and Ted’s Notebook at 3:00 pm.
All sessions will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, with additional streaming available via NOW for Sky Sports F1 subscribers. Beyond the immediate race weekend, Hadjar’s return is significant for Red Bull’s championship aspirations.
The team relies on both drivers to accumulate points, and a fully fit Hadjar could help close the growing gap to Verstappen while also challenging the midfield pack. His ability to adapt quickly after a layoff will be tested on Baku’s demanding street circuit, known for its long straight, tight corners, and high‑speed sections that reward confidence and precise car control.
The Frenchman’s rehabilitation program, overseen by Red Bull’s medical staff, focused on restoring wrist strength, flexibility, and fine motor skills essential for steering input and gear changes. According to team physiotherapists, Hadjar completed a series of progressive exercises, including resistance training, proprioceptive drills, and simulated driving sessions on a rig, ensuring he could handle the physical stresses of a Formula 1 car. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Hadjar performs in the Thursday practice sessions. Strong lap times could signal that he is back to his pre‑injury pace, while any lingering discomfort might prompt a more cautious approach during qualifying and the race itself.
Overall, the return of Isack Hadjar adds an extra layer of intrigue to the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, offering Red Bull a chance to field a full‑strength lineup and giving the young driver an opportunity to prove his resilience and talent on one of the sport’s most challenging circuits.