Red Bull have confirmed that Isack Hadjar is set to return to make his long-awaited return at this week’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, following a “successful recovery” from a wrist injury that sidelined him for three Formula 1 races.
The driver suffered the damage over F1’s summer break, reportedly while taking part in a boxing session, and was subsequently required to wear an arm splint while healing.
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In his absence, Liam Lawson filled in at the Dutch, Italian and Spanish Grands Prix, with Yuki Tsunoda stepping back into the sport to cover Lawson’s regular position at Racing Bulls.
A statement from Red Bull read: “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,”
It added: “The team would sincerely like to thank Liam for this professionalism, dedication and hard work over the past three races. 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.”
Liam Lawson filled in for Hadjar during his injury layoff (Reuters)
Due to a public holiday, the Baku event takes place on an unconventional Saturday schedule, bringing practice forward to Thursday ahead of Friday’s qualifying session.
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Lawson adjusted swiftly alongside teammate Max Verstappen, securing a high point of sixth place in Madrid earlier this month. The New Zealander’s displays provided a firm response after being released by Red Bull just two rounds into the 2025 campaign.
Observing how Lawson and Tsunoda proved “immediately competitive” in new machinery, Verstappen argued it demonstrated that the current F1 cars—which he has frequently voiced frustration over—are “numb to your driver inputs” and restrict the ability of top talents to stand out.
While recovering, Hadjar was officially promoted to third in the Monaco Grand Prix following appeals regarding penalties given to Alpine’s Pierre Gasly. The decision handed Hadjar a maiden podium with Red Bull, equalling his personal best from last season’s Dutch Grand Prix with Racing Bulls.
Hadjar is currently eighth in the drivers’ standings on 71 points, while team-mate Max Verstappen is two places and 74 points ahead of him.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
