Isack Hadjar will return to Red Bull at the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix after missing three races with a wrist injury. Here’s what his comeback means.
Isack Hadjar’s wait is finally over. After spending almost two months recovering from a wrist injury, the Frenchman will return to the Red Bull Racing cockpit at this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix and once again line up alongside Max Verstappen. Hadjar has not raced since the Hungarian Grand Prix in July. A wrist injury sustained during fitness training forced him to miss the races in the Netherlands, Italy, and Madrid, leaving Red Bull to reshuffle its driver lineup for three consecutive weekends.
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Why Did Red Bull Replace Isack Hadjar Temporarily?
When Hadjar was ruled out, Red Bull promoted Liam Lawson from Racing Bulls to partner Verstappen. Yuki Tsunoda then moved into Lawson’s seat at Racing Bulls. The arrangement gave Red Bull an experienced option while Hadjar recovered, but the team was unwilling to rush him back before he was ready. That meant Hadjar’s return depended not only on his recovery but also on him being cleared to race again.
Red Bull has now confirmed that he has successfully recovered and will return at the Baku City Circuit. Lawson will move back to Racing Bulls, while Tsunoda returns to his reserve role.
What Did Lawson Do In Isack Hadjar’s Absence?
Lawson’s temporary promotion ensured that Red Bull did not lose a full-time driver while Hadjar recovered. He produced points in two of the three races he contested for the senior team, giving Red Bull a useful contribution during a difficult period. His return to Racing Bulls therefore does not come because of a sudden loss of confidence. It is simply the result of Hadjar being fit again and the original Red Bull lineup being restored.
For Hadjar, that also means returning to a car that has changed around him during his absence. The Frenchman will need to quickly reconnect with the latest version of the Red Bull and rediscover the rhythm he had built before the injury.
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Can Isack Hadjar Reconnect With His Earlier Form?
Hadjar’s first season alongside Verstappen had already produced some important moments before the injury. He scored his first Red Bull podium in Monaco and remains eighth in the Drivers’ Championship with 71 points. The gap to Verstappen has grown during his absence, but his position in the championship still reflects the strong start he made with the team.
Baku gives him a difficult but fascinating return because there is almost no room for a gentle comeback. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix features a long main straight, heavy braking zones, and a narrow street circuit where mistakes can have immediate consequences. There is also little time to settle in. The weekend begins on Thursday, followed by qualifying on Friday and the Grand Prix on Saturday because of Azerbaijan’s Remembrance Day. After three races away, Hadjar will finally get back into the car he expected to drive all along. Can Isack Hadjar make an immediate impact on his Red Bull return in Baku?
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