Red Bull’s French rookie Isack Hadjar is poised to re‑enter the Formula 1 grid at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, ending a three‑race hiatus caused by a wrist injury sustained during his off‑season fitness routine. The 21‑year‑old, who has impressed in his debut season alongside five‑time world champion Max Verstappen, missed the Dutch, Italian and Spanish rounds after aggravating his wrist in August. His return will be marked by participation in both Thursday practice sessions at the Baku City Circuit, as the event’s timetable has been shifted a day earlier to avoid overlapping with Azerbaijan 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 squad to fill the vacant Red Bull seat, while reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda stepped into the junior team’s lineup.
Red Bull acknowledged Lawson’s contributions, noting that he performed admirably under “challenging circumstances” and provided valuable points for the team. The organization also thanked Tsunoda for his professionalism and dedication, stating that his efforts helped maintain the team’s competitive edge throughout the three races he covered. Hadjar’s first season with Red Bull has been marked by steady progress.
He secured a podium finish in Monaco, demonstrating his capacity to challenge the sport’s elite. Prior to his injury, he sat eighth in the Drivers’ Championship, trailing McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by 23 points. Since his withdrawal, the gap to Piastri has widened to 49 points, while his deficit to team‑mate Max Verstappen has grown from 38 points after the Hungarian Grand Prix to 74 points at present. Despite these setbacks, Hadjar’s performances when on track have shown promise, and his return is expected to reinvigorate his championship campaign.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix serves as the opening round of a three‑race swing that will continue with events in Malaysia and Singapore over the following weekends. The schedule is packed with supporting series action, including Formula 2 practice, qualifying and sprint races, as well as a series of press conferences and fan‑focused programming such as “The F1 Show” and “Ted’s Qualifying Notebook.” All sessions are broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, with additional streaming options available via NOW for viewers without a traditional contract. Key dates for the weekend are 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 One at 9:30 am; F2 qualifying at 10:55 am; Team bosses’ press conference at 12:00 pm; Practice Two at 1:00 pm; The F1 Show at 2:15 pm. - Friday, 25 September – 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; 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 itself at 12:00 pm; Chequered flag reaction at 2:00 pm; Ted’s Notebook at 3:00 pm. The race weekend will also feature commentary on recent incidents that have stirred discussion across the paddock.
Alpine has condemned online abuse directed at drivers following Franco Colapinto’s three‑car collision with Pierre Gasly and Lando Norris. Meanwhile, George Russell’s dominant performance in Baku, which secured a “Grand Slam” victory, has sparked debate about its impact on the title fight, especially concerning the rising star Kimi Antonelli, who admitted to feeling “like he was driving like his grandma” due to a lack of confidence after the race. As Hadjar prepares to step back into the cockpit, the team and fans alike are eager to see whether his return can close the points gap that has widened during his absence. Red Bull’s confidence in his recovery, combined with the valuable experience gained by Lawson and Tsunoda, sets the stage for an intriguing continuation of the 2026 season.
The Baku race promises high‑speed action, strategic intrigue, and the chance for Hadjar to demonstrate that his early promise can translate into consistent results as the championship heads into its crucial Asian leg.