Isack Hadjar will return to Red Bull Racing for this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku after recovering from a wrist injury. Liam Lawson moves back to Racing Bulls, ending his stint as substitute.
The injury, sustained during training over the summer break, forced Hadjar to sit out. Medical advice told him to avoid driving to manage his recovery, so Lawson was promoted to the Red Bull seat starting at the Dutch Grand Prix. Yuki Tsunoda stepped up from his reserve role to fill the void at Racing Bulls.
Over three races, Lawson scored 14 points for Red Bull. Monza was the only scoreless round as he took a series of power unit penalties and then had to pit after contact with Nico Hulkenberg broke part of his front wing. Tsunoda finished 10th in that race, narrowly missing points at Zandvoort before being passed by Pierre Gasly for 10th late on.
Red Bull stated: "The team would like to thank Liam for his professionalism, dedication, and hard work over the past three races. Stepping in under challenging circumstances, he delivered some impressive performances and made a valuable contribution to the team."
Hadjar will make his first F1 appearance since July's Hungarian Grand Prix. Despite his absence, his seasonal points tally increased when his Monaco Grand Prix third place was reinstated. McLaren and Red Bull successfully appealed against the post-race rescinding of Pierre Gasly's two five-second penalties for speeding in the pitlane, moving Hadjar back to the podium positions.
The Frenchman also sought advice from MotoGP champion Marc Marquez, who suffered an arm fracture in 2020 that worsened as he tried to return prematurely. Marquez revealed he told Hadjar: "I learned in the past that missing one race will not change your life. Worsening your injury because you ride too early can change your life."
This decision is a crucial moment for Hadjar to prove his consistency for the rest of the season, while Lawson returns to the familiar environment at Racing Bulls. Hadjar's return also provides stability for Red Bull in the constructors' championship battle, given Lawson's solid performances as a substitute.
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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.
Isack Hadjar confirmed for Baku comeback after wrist injury recovery. Liam Lawson returns to Racing Bulls for Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
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