ISACK HADJAR IS BACK: RED BULL CONFIRMS RETURN FOR AZERBAIJAN GP
Isack Hadjar will return to the Red Bull cockpit at this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix after successfully recovering from his wrist injury. Red Bull confirmed on Tuesday that the French driver is fit to race again and will return to action at the Baku City Circuit on Thursday.
Hadjar has been out of action since the summer break after suffering the wrist injury during training. The problem forced him to miss three consecutive Grands Prix in Zandvoort, Monza and Madrid. During that period, Liam Lawson stepped up from Racing Bulls to replace him at Red Bull.
Before confirming his return, Red Bull took a careful approach to Hadjar’s recovery. Team Principal Laurent Mekies said the team did not want to rush the Frenchman back and risk affecting his long-term recovery. Hadjar was also expected to use the simulator to test his wrist under conditions similar to those he would face in the car.
Hadjar had made a strong start to his first season with Red Bull before the injury. He recorded eight top-10 finishes and scored a podium at the Monaco Grand Prix. He also managed to qualify ahead of Max Verstappen three times during the season.
Lawson, meanwhile, will now return to Racing Bulls after three race weekends with the senior Red Bull team. The New Zealander scored points in two of those three races, finishing seventh in the Netherlands and sixth at the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid. He also finished 14th at Monza after contact with Nico Hulkenberg caused damage to his car.
Red Bull praised Lawson for the way he handled the unexpected move back to the senior team. The team thanked him for his professionalism, dedication and hard work while stepping into the RB22 at short notice.
Lawson’s return to Racing Bulls also means the temporary driver changes between the two Red Bull teams are now over. Yuki Tsunoda had moved into Lawson’s Racing Bulls seat during the three-race period, while Lawson raced alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull. Hadjar’s return restores Red Bull’s regular 2026 line-up of Verstappen and Hadjar.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix will also have an unusual schedule, with the race taking place on Saturday rather than Sunday. Practice starts on Thursday, meaning Hadjar will have his first on-track session since the Hungarian Grand Prix when he gets back into the Red Bull this week.
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