Mekies says Isack Hadjar could be ready to return at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has offered a cautiously positive update on Isack Hadjar’s recovery, raising the possibility that the French driver could return for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on September 26.

Hadjar has been sidelined for a third consecutive race weekend after fracturing his wrist during boxing training shortly before the Dutch Grand Prix at the end of August. He subsequently missed the Italian Grand Prix and will also sit out this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix at Madrid’s new Madring circuit.

The decision to keep him out in Spain was straightforward for Red Bull. Hadjar did not feel fully fit, and the team’s position remains that he will only return when he is ready to operate at 100 per cent. That approach has taken priority over bringing him back prematurely.

Mekies explained that there was little value in putting Hadjar into a demanding new circuit while he was still not feeling completely comfortable. In Red Bull’s assessment, attempting a comeback too soon could have delayed his full recovery rather than accelerated his return.

“It was an easy one,” Mekies told Sky Sports F1. “He didn't feel that he was 100%, and that's the only criteria we use. Are you 100%? So it was an easy one for here.”

Two-week window before Baku

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix gives Hadjar an additional two weeks to continue his rehabilitation. Mekies struck a positive tone when discussing the progress so far, insisting that the recovery is proceeding as planned.

“We have a bit more time before Baku,” he said. “Honestly, there is nothing wrong with his recovery. The recovery is going as planned. Some things take time, and we will take the time to evaluate before Baku and to put him on the sim.”

That simulator assessment will be an important part of Red Bull’s decision-making. The team intends to use the coming days to evaluate Hadjar’s condition before determining whether he is ready to return to the car.

Baku’s demanding street-track environment would make physical readiness especially important, but Red Bull has not set a firm comeback date. For now, the message is clear: Hadjar’s return is possible, but only if he reaches full fitness. Readers can also follow the latest development in Red Bull’s Baku return plans for Isack Hadjar.