Hadjar Returns to Red Bull for Baku as Lawson Rejoins Racing Bulls

Isack Hadjar is set to return to Red Bull Racing at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after recovering from a wrist injury, restoring the team’s usual pairing with Max Verstappen. The team’s confirmation on September 22 also ends Liam Lawson’s three-race stand-in spell and sends him back to Racing Bulls, while Yuki Tsunoda resumes reserve duties.

Hadjar injured his wrist while training over the summer and missed the races at Zandvoort, Monza and the new Madrid circuit. He has not raced since July’s Hungarian Grand Prix. Red Bull says his rehabilitation is complete and he has been declared fit to take part at Baku. The announcement establishes his planned return; it does not forecast how he will perform after the layoff.

The seat change matters for two teams. Lawson gained three races in Red Bull’s car under unusual circumstances, and now returns to his regular Racing Bulls programme. Hadjar must reacclimatise on a street circuit where practice time is especially valuable. Thursday’s opening running will be his first competitive session back with the team, giving an early indication of comfort in the car without settling the question of race pace.

Baku’s weekend follows a different rhythm from a conventional Sunday Grand Prix. Practice begins Thursday, qualifying takes place Friday and the race is scheduled for Saturday, September 26. The event was moved earlier to avoid a clash with Azerbaijan’s Remembrance Day on September 27. Viewers accustomed to a Sunday race should check local start times before the weekend.

The key confirmed facts are the medical clearance and the team assignments. Any suggestion of a result, championship impact or lasting change to the line-up would be premature before Hadjar has driven the car again in a race weekend.