Isack Hadjar's return to Formula 1 action has hit another roadblock. The French driver will sit out the Italian Grand Prix at Monza this weekend, having already missed the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort two weeks ago. A wrist injury sustained during a training session in the summer break has proven more stubborn than initially hoped.
His absence has handed Liam Lawson another opportunity to deputise for Red Bull, with Yuki Tsunoda moving up to Racing Bulls. However, the team's principal, Laurent Mekies, has now admitted that targeting a comeback at the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid next weekend is a tall order.
“Madrid is only a few days away, so that's tricky,” Mekies told Canal+ during practice at Monza on Friday. “We'll reassess his situation, but targeting Madrid is probably risky. We're taking it one race at a time, looking at it together in a rational way.”
Mekies stressed that the priority is ensuring Hadjar returns at 100 percent with zero risk to his future. “We have no reason to take risks. His season so far has been fantastic, he's very young, and he improves every time he drives. So it's important for him to come back when he's fully ready,” he added.
Hadjar had hoped to race at Monza after reporting encouraging progress, noting reduced swelling and improved mobility in a social media video. But the team ultimately decided not to rush him back. Interestingly, Hadjar sought advice from MotoGP champion Marc Marquez, who knows a thing or two about injury comebacks. Marquez, who suffered a severe arm injury at Jerez in 2020, advised patience: “Missing one race won't change your life, but worsening an injury by returning too early can. I think he made the right decision.”
Lawson, meanwhile, is making the most of his extended run with Red Bull, following a strong showing at Zandvoort. The pressure is now on the Kiwi to deliver consistent results and potentially stake a claim for a permanent seat.
Read Also
Ferrari membawa upgrade mesin kedua di GP Italia. Charles Leclerc menunjukkan performa menjanjikan di FP2, namun defisit tenaga masih terlihat.
George Russell memuncaki FP2 GP Italia di Monza, tapi menilai Ferrari tetap tim terkuat. McLaren dan Red Bull juga dianggap ancaman serius.
Red Bull mengakui masalah keseimbangan pada mobil setelah keluhan radio Max Verstappen di GP Italia. Pierre Wache menjelaskan tantangan yang dihadapi tim di Monza.
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!