Red Bull’s rising French talent, Isack Hadjar, is poised to rejoin the grid at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after a three‑race hiatus caused by a wrist problem. The 21‑year‑old, who has shown promise as Max Verstappen’s teammate during his debut season, was forced to sit out the Dutch, Italian and Spanish rounds after injuring his wrist while undertaking fitness work during the summer break in August. His return will be marked by participation in both practice sessions scheduled for Thursday at the Baku City Circuit, as the weekend’s timetable has been shifted forward by a day to avoid overlapping with Azerbaijan Remembrance Day.
In a statement issued 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." The team’s message highlighted both the medical clearance and the confidence that Hadjar is fit to compete at the high‑speed street circuit.
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 Lawson’s place at the junior team. Red Bull praised Lawson’s professionalism and adaptability, noting that he delivered "impressive performances" under challenging circumstances and contributed valuable points to the team’s tally. The organization also extended gratitude to Tsunoda for his effort, acknowledging his role in securing points over the three races he covered. Hadjar’s early season had been solid, highlighted by a podium finish in Monaco that demonstrated his ability to compete at the front of the pack.
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 championship stakes of his return.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix also kicks off a three‑race swing that will see the F1 calendar move to Malaysia and Singapore over the following two weekends. The schedule for the Baku weekend is packed, beginning with a drivers’ press conference on Wednesday morning, followed by a series of practice sessions, qualifying, and the race itself on Saturday. The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1 and streamed via NOW, offering fans multiple ways to follow the action.
Beyond the immediate race weekend, Hadjar’s comeback carries broader implications for Red Bull’s title campaign. The team relies heavily on Verstappen’s dominance, but a strong second driver can provide strategic depth, contribute to the Constructors’ points haul, and serve as a backup in case of unforeseen issues. Hadjar’s ability to return at full strength will be closely monitored by team strategists, especially as the championship enters its latter half. In addition to the on‑track narrative, the weekend features several ancillary events.
A paddock uncut interview is slated for 2 pm on Wednesday, while the F2 support series will run throughout the weekend, offering rising talent a platform to showcase their skills. Fans can also expect post‑race analysis, including Ted’s Qualifying Notebook and a live reaction segment after the checkered flag.
Overall, Isack Hadjar’s return to Baku marks a significant moment for both the driver and Red Bull. After a period of rehabilitation and careful monitoring, the Frenchman is set to test his wrist’s resilience on one of Formula 1’s most demanding circuits. The team’s confidence, combined with the support from his temporary replacements, suggests a smooth reintegration into the race weekend.
As the season progresses into the Asian swing, every point will be crucial, and Hadjar’s performance in Azerbaijan could prove pivotal in narrowing the gaps that have emerged during his absence.