Isack Hadjar has completed his recovery from a wrist injury and will return to the Red Bull cockpit for this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku. The news was first reported by French outlet L'Equipe, confirming that the French-Algerian driver has fully recovered from the fractured wrist he sustained during Formula 1's summer break.
The injury forced Hadjar to miss three races: Zandvoort, Monza, and Madrid. During that period, he watched from the sidelines as his teammate, Max Verstappen, fought alone on track. Now, with his fitness restored, Hadjar is eager to jump back into the RB22 and continue his impressive rookie season.
Hadjar's return to the Red Bull seat means Liam Lawson will head back to Racing Bulls, the team he raced for before being called up as a substitute. Lawson performed admirably in his three-race stint with Red Bull, scoring points twice with a sixth-place finish in Madrid and a seventh in Zandvoort. He also made it into Q3 and started from eighth in both races. Meanwhile, Yuki Tsunoda will resume his role as third driver, waiting in the wings for any opportunity.
For Hadjar, the 2026 season has been sweet so far. Despite missing three races, he still has 71 points and sits eighth in the drivers' championship. His best result was a third-place podium in Monte Carlo, though that finish was embroiled in controversy over an incident with Pierre Gasly that sparked debate for months. His qualifying pace is also undeniable: third in Melbourne, plus two fifth-place starts in Monte Carlo and Silverstone.
Hadjar's comeback is a morale boost for Red Bull as they battle at the front. His speed and consistency in the first half of the season convinced the team that he can be immediately competitive in Baku, a street circuit that demands pinpoint precision. However, returning after a three-race absence is never easy; race rhythm and adaptation to track conditions will be significant challenges.
On the other side, Lawson returns to Racing Bulls with confidence after showing promising form at Red Bull. He will aim to help the satellite team secure a strong position in the constructors' standings. As for Tsunoda, who filled the Racing Bulls seat earlier in the season, he must remain patient and continue working hard to prove he deserves another chance.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku will be a true test for Hadjar. The 6 km street circuit is notoriously difficult, with a mix of high-speed corners and unforgiving walls. If Hadjar can deliver a strong performance, a return to the podium and a solid top-eight championship position are not out of the question. One thing is certain: the paddock will be watching closely.
Read Also
F1 Commission approves shorter races at 290 km from 2027 to accommodate power unit changes. Here's why and what it means for teams and drivers.
FIA announces 2027 F1 regulation changes: race distance cut, time rules updated, and gearbox homologation removed. Discover the impact on teams and fans.
F1 officially approves shorter races from 2027 to accommodate power unit changes. Race distance cut from 305 km to 290 km, with other regulation tweaks.
Continue with Google
Discussion (0)
Join the Discussion!
Sign in easily to start commenting, replying, and interacting with other readers.
Latest Comments
No comments yet. Be the first!