Red Bull confirms Hadjar’s return for Azerbaijan GP after wrist injury

News Summary

Red Bull has confirmed Isack Hadjar’s return for the Azerbaijan GP after his wrist injury.
Liam Lawson returns to Racing Bulls after replacing Hadjar for three races.
Yuki Tsunoda steps back into his reserve role following the latest driver reshuffle.

Red Bull has confirmed that Isack Hadjar will return to Formula 1 at this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix after recovering from the wrist injury that ruled him out of the previous three rounds.

Hadjar completed his final simulator assessment without encountering a significant physical problem. Red Bull subsequently cleared the Frenchman to drive alongside Max Verstappen when practice begins at the Baku City Circuit on Thursday.

“We are delighted to welcome Isack back this weekend,” Red Bull said. “Having made a successful recovery from his wrist injury, he will return to action at the Baku City Circuit on Thursday.”

The confirmation completes the process outlined before the weekend, when Hadjar faced a final simulator evaluation to test his wrist under realistic steering and braking loads.

Lawson returns to Racing Bulls

Liam Lawson replaced Hadjar at Zandvoort, Monza and Madrid, scoring points in two of his three temporary appearances for Red Bull. His best result came at the Spanish GP, where he finished sixth.

The New Zealander will now return to Racing Bulls alongside Arvid Lindblad. Yuki Tsunoda, who occupied Lawson’s seat during Hadjar’s recovery, returns to his position as reserve driver.

Red Bull thanked Lawson for accepting the temporary promotion and adapting to the RB22 at short notice.

“The team would like to sincerely thank Liam for his professionalism, dedication and hard work over the past three races,” the statement continued. “Stepping in under challenging circumstances, he delivered some impressive performances and made a valuable contribution.”

The reshuffle restores Red Bull’s regular driver arrangement for the first time since Hadjar fractured his wrist during training in the summer break.

Baku provides demanding test for Hadjar

Hadjar’s recovery will immediately be tested by one of the championship’s most physically demanding street circuits.

Baku combines a 2.2km flat-out section with repeated heavy-braking zones and narrow 90-degree corners. The long lap also gives drivers little opportunity to relax their hands and wrists.

Red Bull had consistently maintained that Hadjar would not return until he could complete an entire race weekend without compromising control of the car or risking another setback.

The Frenchman has 68 points and sits eighth in the Drivers’ Championship. His strongest result of the season was third place in Monaco after Pierre Gasly’s penalties were reinstated following Alpine’s unsuccessful appeal.

The Azerbaijan GP uses an unusual programme in 2026. As Sunday coincides with Azerbaijan’s Memorial Day, practice takes place on Thursday, qualifying on Friday and the race on Saturday.

The Grand Prix begins at 12:00 UK and 07:00 ET on September 26. GRANDE PRÊMIO follows the complete weekend through its Formula 1 coverage.

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.