Red Bull: Hadjar’s Madrid return is "tricky" as wrist recovery continues

Hadjar’s recovery remains the priority

Isack Hadjar is unlikely to return to Formula 1 at Madrid’s inaugural Madring race, with Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies insisting that the injured driver will not be rushed back into action.

Hadjar suffered a wrist injury while training during the summer break, ruling him out of the Zandvoort and Monza weekends. As previously reported, Hadjar missed Monza with Liam Lawson stepping in at Red Bull, while Yuki Tsunoda moved back to Racing Bulls.

The 21-year-old has also consulted Marc Marquez. The seven-time MotoGP champion has endured several long-lasting injuries in recent years, including setbacks linked to returning before he was fully ready. That experience has reinforced Hadjar’s decision not to force a comeback — an approach Red Bull supports.

“Look, Isack is okay,” Mekies told French broadcaster Canal+ during FP1. “He can’t drive now so, obviously, I’m not going to tell you he’s happy – because he’s not.”

Red Bull refuses to take risks

Mekies framed the situation as a straightforward recovery process rather than a race against the calendar. Hadjar’s absence is frustrating, but the team’s stated priority is ensuring that he can return at full fitness.

“But the absolute priority is his recovery. We have no reason to take risks with it,” Mekies said. “His season so far has been fantastic, he’s very young, he improves every time he drives the car, so it’s important for him to return when he’s 100%.”

The Red Bull principal added that the team would follow both Hadjar’s own assessment and medical advice before making a decision.

“So we’ll take whatever time is required, trust his feeling and the doctors’ guidance, and give him the time he needs. We’ll soon laugh about this, I’m sure.”

Madrid target looks increasingly difficult

With the Madrid race only a few days away, Mekies acknowledged that a return there appears difficult, although Red Bull will continue to reassess the situation.

“Madrid is a few days from now, so that’s tricky. We’ll reevaluate his situation, but targeting Madrid probably is tricky,” he said. “The priority, what will influence our decision, is being sure he returns at 100% and with zero risks for his future.”

Hadjar’s points tally nevertheless increased while he remained sidelined after the International Court of Appeal reinstated Pierre Gasly’s Monaco Grand Prix speeding penalties, restoring Hadjar’s initial podium finish.