Isack Hadjar is set to re‑take the Red Bull seat at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, having recovered from a wrist injury that sidelined him since July.
The Frenchman had been absent after injuring his wrist during summer practice and, following medical counsel, was advised to steer clear of the track for the remainder of the season. Consequently, Red Bull shared the line‑up with Liam Lawson for the Dutch, Italian and Spanish races.
Red Bull’s Adaptive Driver Line‑up
Liam Lawson stepped into the Red Bull car from the start of the Dutch Grand Prix, after Yuki Tsunoda was promoted from reserve status. Lawson’s tenure covered the Italian and Spanish rounds as well, with Tsunoda filling the gap left by Lawson’s shift to Racing Bulls.
Lawson accrued 14 points over his three outings, with Monza proving the most challenging. A string of power‑unit penalties and a later pit stop following contact with Nico Hulkenberg punctuated his Monza run, yet he avoided a scoreless finish to date.
Hadjar’s Return and Season Impact
Hadjar’s comeback follows a competitive comeback in Monaco, where a successful appeal against Pierre Gasly’s post‑race penalties restored his third‑place finish. The Frenchman’s return marks his first F1 start since the Hungarian Grand Prix in July, and his recovery has already added points to the season tally.
Before the injury, Hadjar had consulted MotoGP champion Marc Marquez—who endured a frayed arm in 2020—about the risks of racing prematurely. Marquez warned that hastening a return could have long‑term consequences.
Team Acknowledgement and Future Outlook
In a statement, Red Bull praised Lawson’s professionalism and the valuable contribution he made during “challenging circumstances.” The team also highlighted his impressive performances across the three rounds.
With the Azerbaijan Grand Prix now approaching, all eyes turn back to Red Bull’s cockpit. Hadjar’s hand has healed, and the team is prepared to reuse both drivers in future starts, maintaining the competitive edge forged since the season’s opening.
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