Isack Hadjar will be back in action for Red Bull Racing at Formula 1's Azerbaijan Grand Prix this weekend after recovering from the fractured wrist he suffered during the summer break. The injury occurred during a gym training session shortly before the Dutch GP at Zandvoort, forcing him to miss races in the Netherlands, Italy, and Spain.
Red Bull took a cautious approach, not wanting to rush his return. In his absence, Racing Bulls' regular Liam Lawson stepped up and impressed with seventh place at Zandvoort and sixth in Spain. However, Monza was tougher: an engine penalty sent him to the back of the grid, and his race hopes were dashed by a damaged front wing from a clash with Nico Hulkenberg.
Lawson welcomed the opportunity to show his worth at Red Bull's main team. "It's been overall quite positive," he said. "I managed to score in two of the three. I think Monza was tough just with the whole layout of the weekend, and then the engine penalty. Then obviously having damage in the race really ruined it for us. But I think overall we've had good speed."
With Hadjar back, Lawson returns to Racing Bulls, meaning his temporary replacement Yuki Tsunoda goes back to his regular reserve driver role. Tsunoda quickly adapted to the demands of the F1 2026 cars and scored a point for Racing Bulls at the Italian GP, although that result remains subject to an appeal lodged by Audi relating to a grid formation situation following an early red flag.
Hadjar's return provides a morale boost for Red Bull, who are in a tight battle in the constructors' standings. Lawson's performances as a substitute highlighted the team's depth, but Hadjar's presence is expected to restore balance. The Azerbaijan GP at the Baku City Circuit will be an immediate test of Hadjar's physical condition, especially with the track's demands on wrist strength.
Meanwhile, Tsunoda's situation remains intriguing. Despite returning to a reserve role, his Monza performance showed potential that cannot be ignored. Audi's appeal could change the race classification if successful, affecting Tsunoda's and Racing Bulls' points haul.
Red Bull have not made an official statement regarding specific targets for Hadjar in Baku, but it's clear the team wants to ensure the young Frenchman returns to top form without undue pressure. With the season growing more competitive, every point will be crucial in the constructors' championship fight.
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Isack Hadjar returns to Red Bull for the Azerbaijan GP after recovering from a wrist injury. Liam Lawson moves back to Racing Bulls. Read the full analysis.
Isack Hadjar returns to Red Bull for the Azerbaijan GP after recovering from a wrist injury, with Liam Lawson moving back to Racing Bulls.
Isack Hadjar returns to Red Bull for F1 Azerbaijan in Baku after recovering from a wrist injury. Liam Lawson returns to Racing Bulls, Yuki Tsunoda reverts to his original role.
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