Hadjar faces final simulator test before Red Bull decides Baku return

News Summary

Isack Hadjar is undergoing a final simulator assessment before Red Bull decides its Baku line-up
The Frenchman has missed three consecutive races while recovering from a fractured wrist
Liam Lawson remains ready to contest a fourth round for Red Bull if Hadjar is not cleared

Isack Hadjar is completing a decisive simulator assessment on Monday before Red Bull determines whether he can return at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

The Frenchman has reported reduced pain and improved movement in the wrist he fractured during boxing training over the summer break. However, Red Bull wants to evaluate how the injury responds to realistic steering and braking loads before returning him to the RB22.

According to RacingNews365, the team expects to make its decision after the simulator session. Hadjar must also receive the necessary medical clearance before racing in Baku.

Red Bull has repeatedly insisted it will not accelerate the recovery. Team principal Laurent Mekies wants Hadjar back only when he can complete an entire weekend without compromising control of the car or risking another setback.

Lawson remains prepared for fourth Red Bull appearance

Liam Lawson has replaced Hadjar at Zandvoort, Monza and Madrid, finishing seventh, 14th and sixth respectively.

The New Zealander has continued preparing for two different cars while waiting for Red Bull’s decision. If Hadjar is cleared, Lawson will return to Racing Bulls alongside Arvid Lindblad. If not, Lawson will remain Max Verstappen’s team-mate and Yuki Tsunoda will contest another race for Racing Bulls.

Lawson previously described that dual preparation as mentally difficult because the RB22 and Racing Bulls VCARB 03 have different balance characteristics, steering feedback and operating requirements.

GPblog reported that Red Bull planned to delay the Baku decision until shortly before the race week, allowing Hadjar the maximum possible recovery time.

Hadjar has already rejected one premature comeback

Hadjar has missed three consecutive Grands Prix since sustaining the injury. Red Bull initially hoped he could return at Monza, but neither the driver nor the team considered the wrist sufficiently recovered.

He subsequently sat out Madrid despite attending the weekend and supporting Red Bull from the garage.

The cautious approach partly reflects advice Hadjar received from Marc Márquez. According to Autosport, the MotoGP champion warned him against returning too soon after suffering serious complications when he attempted to race before his arm had healed completely in 2020.

Hadjar’s simulator run is therefore not merely a performance evaluation. Red Bull must determine whether he can maintain grip strength, precision and movement throughout a complete race distance without pain affecting his driving.

Baku’s street circuit combines heavy braking, repeated 90-degree corners and limited margin for error. The race is also being held on Saturday, reducing the usual preparation window by one day.

Hadjar has scored 68 points in 2026 and sits eighth in the Drivers’ Championship. His best result was third place in Monaco after Pierre Gasly lost the position following Alpine’s unsuccessful appeal.

If Hadjar passes the simulator and medical assessments, he will return alongside Verstappen for the first time since the Belgian GP in July. Otherwise, Lawson will receive a fourth consecutive opportunity in the senior Red Bull team.

Formula 1 holds the Azerbaijan GP from September 24–26. The race starts at 12:00 UK on Saturday.

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F1 today: FAQ

When is the next Formula 1 race?

The next race is the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the Baku City Circuit on Saturday, 26 September.

Why is the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix being held on Saturday?

The race was moved forward to avoid Azerbaijan’s national Remembrance Day on Sunday, 27 September. Practice begins on Thursday, with qualifying on Friday and the Grand Prix on Saturday.

Who leads the 2026 Formula 1 championship?

Kimi Antonelli leads the Drivers’ Championship with 292 points. Mercedes teammate George Russell is second on 211, leaving Antonelli 81 points ahead with nine rounds remaining.