Red Bull Racing have confirmed that Isack Hadjar will return to the RB22 for the 2026 F1 Azerbaijan, with Liam Lawson back at Racing Bulls. Saturday will mark his first race in exactly two months.
The French driver had missed three consecutive events because of an injury picked up whilst training during the summer break. That meant the New Zealander stepped into his cockpit, securing a P7 at Zandvoort and a P6 last time out in Madrid. On his return to F1 as a substitute, Yuki Tsunoda grabbed a P10 for Racing Bulls at the Italian GP.
In his time away from the cockpit, there was some good news for the 21-year-old as his P3 was reinstated at the Monaco GP. Red Bull and McLaren successfully won their case, meaning Pierre Gasly’s penalty got applied once more.
Heading into the 2026 F1 Azerbaijan GP, Isack Hadjar is 7th in points with 71, while Liam Lawson is on 59 in 8th. The New Zealander’s return to Racing Bulls comes at a vital time as Alpine have closed to within nine points in the fight for 5th in the Constructors’ Championship.
Before he had to step away, Isack Hadjar had scored seven straight points finishes. All of them were top 6s, including a first Red Bull podium at Monaco.
Red Bull F1 statement on Isack Hadjar’s return for 2026 Azerbaijan GP
“Oracle Red Bull Racing is delighted to welcome Isack back this weekend. Having made a successful recovery from his wrist injury, Isack will return to action at the Baku City Circuit on Thursday.
“The Team would like to sincerely thank Liam for his professionalism, dedication and hard work over the past three races. Stepping in under challenging circumstances, he delivered some impressive performances and made a valuable contribution to the Team. We wish him all the very best as he returns to Visa Cash App Racing Bulls.”
