Reporting note: this article draws on Sky Sports; Score808 Live provides the summary and editorial framing.
Hadjar Returns to Red Bull Cockpit for Baku
Red Bull Racing driver Isack Hadjar has been cleared to return to Formula 1 action at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after recovering from a wrist injury that sidelined him for three consecutive rounds. Hadjar missed the Dutch, Italian, and Spanish Grands Prix following an injury sustained during fitness training over the summer break in August.
Red Bull confirmed on Tuesday that Hadjar completed his rehabilitation program and will step back into the car at the Baku City Circuit. His return resolves a temporary driver shuffle across both Red Bull-backed entries on the grid.
Driver Shuffle Across Red Bull and Racing Bulls Concludes
Hadjar’s absence triggered an internal realignment across the Red Bull structure:
- Liam Lawson: Deputised for Hadjar at Oracle Red Bull Racing over the last three races. Lawson now returns to his full-time seat at Visa Cash App Racing Bulls (VCARB).
- Yuki Tsunoda: Filled Lawson’s vacated seat at Racing Bulls across the triple stint in the Netherlands, Italy, and Spain, scoring points during the interim period. Tsunoda now reverts to his primary reserve driver role for both Red Bull teams.
- Isack Hadjar: Resumes his race seat alongside Red Bull's primary lineup starting this weekend in Azerbaijan.
Physical Demands and Baku Schedule
The return places immediate physical demand on Hadjar’s wrist. The Baku City Circuit combines long full-throttle stretches with aggressive 90-degree braking zones and rapid direction changes through the narrow Castle section, delivering high shock loads through the steering rack.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix runs on an altered timetable, featuring on-track action ahead of a Saturday Grand Prix at midday. The race marks the opening leg of a grueling triple-header schedule that continues across successive weekends in Malaysia and Singapore.
