Isack Hadjar could make his Formula 1 comeback during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has confirmed that the Frenchman’s recovery is progressing according to plan. Hadjar will miss his third consecutive race this weekend in Madrid, allowing Liam Lawson to once again take the seat alongside Max Verstappen.
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Hadjar sustained his wrist injury ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, reportedly during boxing training in the summer break. A wrist injury can have major consequences for an F1 driver, as the hands and wrists are heavily stressed during a race due to extreme G-forces and steering. Daniel Ricciardo and Lance Stroll have also had to miss Grands Prix in the past due to similar complaints.
Extra cautious
Red Bull wants to let Hadjar return only once he feels completely comfortable behind the wheel again. According to team principal Laurent Mekies, there was little doubt about the decision not to let the 21-year-old driver race on the new Madring circuit. “It was an easy decision. He didn’t feel one hundred percent and that was the only criterion we used,” Mekies told Sky Sports. “We have always said that we would prioritize a return once he is one hundred percent fit again.”
The unknown and tight nature of the Madring was an additional reason for Red Bull not to take any risks with Hadjar’s return. “There’s no point in immediately putting that much strain on him again like today. If he doesn’t feel well, we risk delaying his full recovery,” Mekies explained. Although Hadjar did not take part, he did travel to Madrid. The Frenchman stayed with the team while continuing to work on his recovery.
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No setbacks
The focus has now shifted to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which will be held from September 24 to 26. This gives Hadjar extra time to continue recovering before Red Bull must decide if he is ready for a return in Baku.
Mekies spoke positively about the progress of the recovery and emphasized that no problems have occurred so far. “We still have some time until Baku,” he said. “And honestly, his recovery is going well. There is nothing that worries us. Everything is going according to plan. Some things simply take time. We are therefore taking the time to properly assess his situation before we head to Baku and put him in the simulator.”
The work in the simulator can thus play an important role in the decision whether Hadjar is ready for a return at the Baku City Circuit. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix also marks the start of a tough triple-header, followed by races in Malaysia and Singapore. For Red Bull, it is therefore more important than ever to be sure that Hadjar is fully recovered before he gets back in the car.
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