Red Bull Racing’s 21‑year‑old reserve driver Isack Hadjar will not return to the Formula 1 grid for the Spanish Grand Prix as the team prioritises a full wrist rehabilitation.
Injury and Session Impact
Hadjar injured his wrist during a summer training session, ruling him out of the Zandvoort and Monza weekends.
The breach of duty was mitigated by the appointment of Liam Lawson to drive the Red Bull car, while Yuki Tsunoda stepped in for Racing Bulls.
Team Strategy and Recovery Plan
“Look, Isack is okay,” team principal Laurent Mekies told French broadcaster Canal+ during FP1. He added that the driver cannot race presently and the priority lies in a 100 % recovery.
“We’ll take whatever time is required, trust his feeling and the doctors’ guidance,” Mekies said, echoing the advice of seven‑time MotoGP champion Marc Marquez, who has warned against premature returns.
With Madrid’s inaugural race approaching in a few days, Mekies was cautious, stating that a return “probably is tricky” and will be assessed on a race‑by‑race basis.
Seasonal Repercussions
Hadjar’s 2026 points tally gained an extra place after the International Court of Appeal reinstated Pierre Gasly’s penalties from the Monaco Grand Prix, reintegrating his initial podium finish.
While the injury sidelines him for the current weekend, the Red Bull squad remain focused on a risk‑free comeback ahead of the season’s final rounds.
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