Isack Hadjar Returned to Red Bull Seat in Baku
The Formula 1 driver rejoined his team following a three-race absence due to a left wrist injury sustained this summer.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Motorsports
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Isack Hadjar successfully returned to the Red Bull racing seat in Baku during September 2026 after recovering from a fractured left wrist. He finished third in the race, placing just behind his teammate Max Verstappen.
Why it matters
The driver's return marks the conclusion of a difficult period for the team, which utilized Liam Lawson as a temporary replacement during his recovery. This return coincides with the introduction of the final aerodynamic upgrade package for the RB22 car.
Isack Hadjar returned to competition after missing three rounds, finishing 3rd in Baku while teammate Max Verstappen finished 2nd. This performance occurred alongside the implementation of final upgrades to the RB22 floor, diffuser, and sidepods.
The players
Isack Hadjar
He is a Formula 1 driver for Red Bull who recently returned to the grid following a wrist injury.
Max Verstappen
He is a championship-winning Formula 1 driver currently competing for the Red Bull racing team.
Liam Lawson
He is a professional racing driver who served as a replacement for Isack Hadjar during the driver's injury absence.
Yuki Tsunoda
He is a professional racing driver who transitioned to the Racing Bulls team to fill the vacancy left by Liam Lawson.
The details
Hadjar allowed his wrist fracture to heal naturally without undergoing surgery to ensure he was pain-free before returning to the cockpit. Red Bull has now shifted its primary engineering focus toward the development of the 2027 vehicle project.
Timeline
The injury occurred during the 2026 Formula 1 summer break.
Isack Hadjar returned to racing in September 2026.
Season Trajectory
The return of Isack Hadjar helps stabilize the Red Bull driver lineup as the season approaches its final stages in Malaysia. This shift allows the team to finalize its development trajectory with the RB22 before fully committing resources to future car projects.
Hadjar faces a steeper learning curve at the upcoming race in Malaysia due to his lack of familiarity with the Sepang circuit. His 3rd place finish in Baku provides a positive momentum shift for fantasy players and team supporters heading into the next Grand Prix.
The takeaway
Healing a fracture naturally can be a viable path for elite athletes if they prioritize complete pain management over surgical intervention. Hadjar's measured return demonstrates the importance of ensuring full physical capability before returning to high-intensity racing environments.
Further reading
For more updates on the current grid, visit the Motorsports section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by RacingNews365.
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