Isack Hadjar made his return to Formula 1® action during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend, stepping back into the upgraded Red Bull Racing car after recovering from a wrist injury that sidelined him for nearly two months. His first day back at the Baku City Circuit offered promising signs, with the French driver noting improvements in the car compared to when he last drove it in July.
Hadjar missed the races at Zandvoort, Monza, and Madring due to the injury but was able to take part in the Thursday practice sessions in Azerbaijan. He piloted the Red Bull RB22, which featured updates including modifications to the floor body, diffuser, and sidepods. Although a gearbox issue limited his running in the first practice session, he completed a solid number of laps in the second session, finishing ninth overall. His best time was 1.5 seconds off the pace set by George Russell and 0.7 seconds behind his teammate Max Verstappen.
The driver expressed optimism about the new package, stating that the car felt better than when he last drove it at the Hungarian Grand Prix in July. Red Bull’s Technical Director, Pierre Wache, confirmed that the upgrades were delivered as planned. He also noted that Mercedes appeared quicker on short runs, with McLaren close in pace, while Ferrari’s performance was harder to assess due to varying track conditions.
Hadjar’s return also coincides with the confirmation that he will continue as Verstappen’s teammate for the 2027 season, following an extension of his contract. His positive feedback on the car’s handling and performance provides an encouraging update for Red Bull as they work to improve competitiveness during the 2026 season.
The upgrades to the RB22 are part of Red Bull’s ongoing efforts to close the gap to their rivals. While the improvements are welcomed, the team remains aware of the strong pace shown by Mercedes and McLaren in Azerbaijan. Ferrari’s form remains uncertain due to the unique challenges presented by the Baku circuit and track conditions.
Hadjar’s progress after injury and his adaptation to the updated car will be closely watched as the weekend continues. His ability to regain rhythm and confidence behind the wheel is a key factor for Red Bull’s performance moving forward. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix practice sessions offered a glimpse of the team’s current standing and the challenges ahead in the championship.
Overall, Hadjar’s first day back in the upgraded Red Bull car showed encouraging signs, with the driver noting improvements and the team confirming the delivery of their planned updates. The session highlighted the competitive environment in the paddock, with several teams showing strong pace under varying conditions.