Isack Hadjar on his return: "I'm excited to get back into my car"
Isack Hadjar Set for Emotional F1 Return in Baku
After a frustrating month on the sidelines, Isack Hadjar is ready to reclaim his seat. The Frenchman has confirmed his return to the cockpit for this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix, marking the end of an injury-induced hiatus that saw him miss three consecutive rounds.
Hadjar's absence began during the summer break when he suffered a wrist injury. The ailment forced him to miss the return of the championship at Zandvoort, followed by stints in Monza and Madrid. During this period, Liam Lawson stepped in from the sister Racing Bulls squad to maintain the team's competitive presence.
A Focused Recovery
Having satisfied the team's medical and performance requirements, Hadjar expressed immense relief and excitement regarding his comeback. For the 21-year-old, the period of inactivity was a significant mental challenge.
âI'm just so excited to get back into my car,â Hadjar stated. âThe last month has been tricky for me; it's the first time in my life that I've not been racing and that's a weird feeling to get used to. As soon as I suffered the injury, I've been fully focused on my recovery so I can get back as quickly as possible.â
The driver also extended his gratitude to the team leadership for managing the situation carefully. âI want to thank Laurent and the team for their patience throughout this process; it was important not to rush the decision,â he added.
Aiming to Reclaim Form
Before the injury, Hadjar had been enjoying a standout debut season with the Milton Keynes-based squad. He established himself as a consistent force, frequently finishing inside the top six and securing a notable podium in Monaco.
As he prepares for the high-speed streets of Baku, Hadjar is determined to regain his previous momentum. While the break has been significant, he remains optimistic following recent preparation.
âNow I feel ready to get back to what I do best - driving,â he said. âBaku is a unique circuit and one you need to be locked in for from the very start of the weekend. Although it's been quite a break since I was last in the car, our simulator session was positive and I'm looking forward to hitting the ground running.â
With the Isack Hadjar Red Bull evaluation complete, all eyes will be on the Frenchman to see if he can immediately translate his simulator speed into race-day results in Azerbaijan.
Simone Scanu
Heâs a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.