Isack Hadjar: Red Bull driver to return to action at Azerbaijan GP after missing three races with wrist injury
tags:Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar will return to action at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after missing three races with a wrist injury.
Hadjar, who has fared reasonably well in his first season as Max Verstappen's team-mate, was unable to drive at races in the Netherlands, Italy and Spain after sustaining the injury while doing fitness training during Formula 1's summer break in August.
The 21-year-old Frenchman's return to the cockpit will come during Thursday's two practice sessions in Baku, with this weekend's schedule moved a day earlier to avoid a clash with Azerbaijan Remembrance Day.
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A team statement released on Tuesday morning said: "Oracle Red Bull Racing is delighted to welcome Isack back this weekend.
"Having made a successful recovery from his wrist injury, Isack will return to action at the Baku City Circuit on Thursday."
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Liam Lawson was promoted from Racing Bulls to deputise for Hadjar, with reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda filling the New Zealander's seat at Red Bull's junior squad.
Red Bull added: "The team would like to sincerely thank Liam for his professionalism, dedication and hard work over the past three races.
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"Stepping in under challenging circumstances, he delivered some impressive performances and made a valuable contribution to the team. We wish him all the very best as he returns to Visa Cash App Racing Bulls."
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Racing Bulls also thanked Tsunoda for his contribution, with the Japanese driver now returning to his role as reserve for both teams.
"Liam returns to VCARB this weekend in Baku, with Isack having made a full recovery from his wrist injury," Racing Bulls said.
"A huge thank you to Yuki for stepping in over the past three races, giving everything for the team and scoring some very valuable points."
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Hadjar had delivered a solid first campaign with Red Bull up until suffering the injury, claiming a podium for the team in Monaco.
He remains eighth in the Drivers' Championship but a 23-point deficit to McLaren's Oscar Piastri at the time of his injury has increased to 49 points.
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Hadjar was trailing Verstappen by 38 points after the final race before the summer break in Hungary but is now 74 points back from the Dutchman.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is the first round of a triple header with races in Malaysia and Singapore following on the subsequent two weekends.
Azerbaijan GP dates, UK start time and Sky Sports F1's live schedule
Wednesday September 23
11am: Drivers' Press Conference
2pm: Paddock Uncut
Thursday September 24
6.55am: F2 Practice
9am: Azerbaijan GP Practice One (session starts at 9.30am)*
10.55am: F2 Qualifying*
12pm: Team Bosses' Press Conference
12.30pm: Azerbaijan GP Practice Two (session starts at 1pm)
2.15pm: The F1 Show
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Friday September 25
5.10am: F2 Sprint*
9.15am: Azerbaijan GP Practice Three (session starts at 9.30am)*
11.10am: F2 Feature Race 1*
12.30pm: Azerbaijan GP Qualifying build-up*
1PM: AZERBAIJAN GP QUALIFYING*
3pm: Ted's Qualifying Notebook
Saturday September 26
7.55am: F2 Feature Race 2
10.30am: Grand Prix Sunday: Azerbaijan GP build-up*
12PM: THE AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX*
2pm: Chequered Flag: Azerbaijan GP reaction*
3pm: Ted's Notebook*
*also live on Sky Sports Main Event
Racing on a Saturday! The 2026 Formula 1 season continues live on Sky Sports F1 this week as the Azerbaijan Grand Prix kicks off a triple-header of races, with the Baku race taking place on Saturday at midday. Stream Sky Sports with NOW - no contract, cancel anytime