Red Bull have confirmed Isack Hadjar will return to the senior team for this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix, ending a three-race absence caused by a wrist injury sustained during the Formula 1 summer break.
The Frenchman, who has been sidelined since the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, will partner Max Verstappen at the Baku City Circuit from Thursday's opening practice session. Hadjar also missed the Italian and Spanish rounds while recovering from a small fracture he suffered in training.
"Having made a successful recovery from his wrist injury, Isack will return to action at the Baku City Circuit on Thursday," Red Bull said in a statement. The team added that it was "delighted to welcome Isack back this weekend."
Hadjar's comeback coincides with the announcement of a contract extension that will keep him alongside Verstappen through 2027. The 21-year-old told media in Baku: "It's good to come back in these conditions, for sure. I'm really looking forward to driving again." He conceded that "it's still going to be painful for a while" but expressed confidence in his readiness for the challenging street circuit.
Liam Lawson, who stepped into the Red Bull seat for the three races Hadjar missed, will return to Racing Bulls. The New Zealander partnered Verstappen at Zandvoort, Monza and Madrid, scoring points in two of the three outings. Red Bull thanked Lawson for his "professionalism, dedication, and hard work" under difficult circumstances.
Yuki Tsunoda, who had filled Lawson's Racing Bulls seat alongside British rookie Arvid Lindblad, will step back into a reserve role. Racing Bulls confirmed Lawson's return on social media with the message "LL30 is back."
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix runs on an unusual schedule this year, with the race held on Saturday instead of Sunday due to the country's Remembrance Day.
Sources
- https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/1526172/liam-lawson-back-in-racing-bulls-as-isack-hadjar-returns-from-injury
- https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/its-good-to-come-back-to-the-fight-hadjar-opens-up-on-new-contract-and-return-to-racing.6NzCNMkA6szXJuzSDLcx4g
- https://racingnews365.com/isack-hadjar-liam-lawson-red-bull-decision-made-ahead-of-azerbaijan-gp
