Isack Hadjar continues to make steady progress in his recovery from a wrist injury sustained during the recent summer break, with Red Bull Racing closely monitoring his condition ahead of a potential return to the cockpit. The French driver has been absent from the last three races as he focuses on rehabilitation, while the team evaluates his readiness for upcoming events.
Red Bull Racing Team Principal Laurent Mekies has provided an update on Hadjar’s situation, confirming that the recovery is proceeding without complications. Mekies emphasized that the priority remains ensuring Hadjar’s full fitness rather than rushing his comeback, highlighting the importance of avoiding any long-term setbacks. Hadjar’s absence has seen Liam Lawson step in at Red Bull, with Yuki Tsunoda moving to Red Bull’s sister team, Racing Bulls, to fill Lawson’s seat.
Hadjar had a promising start to the 2026 season, securing eight top-10 finishes and a podium in Monaco, notably outqualifying teammate Max Verstappen on three occasions. Despite not racing recently, he has been present at events, reviewing data and maintaining involvement with the team, though the lack of track time has limited his ability to fully adapt to recent car upgrades.
During Hadjar’s recovery period, Verstappen has achieved two podium finishes, while Lawson has contributed points in two of the three races he has contested. Mekies noted that a reassessment of Hadjar’s condition is expected within about a week, with the team planning to base any decision on simulator testing results and the driver’s physical readiness. Comparisons to recovery timelines of other drivers with similar wrist injuries, such as Lance Stroll and Daniel Ricciardo, suggest that recovery periods can vary significantly.
The precise timing of Hadjar’s return remains undecided, with Red Bull taking a cautious approach to ensure the driver’s long-term health and performance potential. The team’s current driver lineup adjustments reflect this careful management, balancing competitive needs with the well-being of their young talent.
Red Bull’s handling of Hadjar’s recovery underscores the challenges teams face when managing injuries mid-season, especially with the demanding schedule and technical developments in Formula 1®. The coming week will be crucial in determining whether Hadjar can resume racing duties soon or if further recovery time will be necessary.