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Isack Hadjar Faces Crucial Final Evaluation Before Comeback Decision
Highlights
- Isack Hadjar undergoing final Red Bull evaluation for race return
- Hadjar injured wrist during summer break, missed last three grands prix
- Liam Lawson replaced Hadjar, may return to Racing Bulls team
- Evaluation result expected Monday, September 21, decides Hadjar’s readiness
- Yuki Tsunoda to revert to Red Bull reserve driver role
- Decision critical before upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku
Isack Hadjar undergoes a Red Bull evaluation today to determine his race return ahead of Baku. The simulator-based assessment will confirm whether he can reclaim the seat alongside Max Verstappen.
The Frenchman missed three races after a wrist injury during the summer break, forcing reshuffles. Red Bull’s injury timeline details the setback, while a September update confirmed his continued absence.
Today’s simulator run focuses on pain tolerance, consistency, and steering load replication. The verdict is expected Monday, September 21, guiding Red Bull’s next steps before freight departs for Baku.
In Hadjar’s absence, Liam Lawson partnered Verstappen and impressed. Team principal Laurent Mekies stresses the seat returns only when Hadjar is fully fit, and Lawson’s stint was always interim.
Final evaluation result is expected Monday, September 21, following intensive simulator work.
If cleared, Hadjar would rejoin the RB22, restoring Red Bull’s preferred pairing. That would likely return Lawson to Racing Bulls, consistent with the group’s development ladder and short-notice deployment model.
The knock-on effect is immediate at Faenza. Yuki Tsunoda’s three-race stint with Arvid Lindblad would end, with Tsunoda reverting to Red Bull’s third and reserve role after scoring in Italy.
If Hadjar returns, Lawson moves back to Racing Bulls and Tsunoda resumes Red Bull reserve duties.
Baku’s high-speed street layout punishes any physical limitation, particularly over aggressive braking zones. Red Bull must balance risk against championship execution, ensuring the returning driver sustains race pace pressures.
The simulator work replicates steering loads, kerb strikes, and stint lengths, offering objective metrics on pain response and consistency. Those data points inform the team and medical advisors before running.
Beyond personnel, Red Bull continues targeting execution gains and straightline efficiency, central to Baku. The outcome here dovetails with the team’s speed objectives and wider resource planning across both squads.
Red Bull must finalise its lineup before freight leaves for Baku.
Expect confirmation later today. Whether Hadjar returns or Lawson extends, Red Bull aims to lock the lineup and minimise disruption heading into a street circuit that rewards preparation and decisiveness.
Visual Summary
Red Bull Holds Breath: Hadjar’s Comeback Hinges on Final Wrist Test
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Azerbaijan GP is next — Red Bull needs certainty now
Hadjar
Injured
🩺
Lawson
Stand-in
⏳
Tsunoda
1 GP point
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Decision expected:
Monday, Sept 21
Monday, Sept 21
If Hadjar passes simulator fit test, he’ll rejoin Verstappen at Red Bull.
If not, Lawson stays – all eyes on the Azerbaijan GP lineup.
If not, Lawson stays – all eyes on the Azerbaijan GP lineup.
Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.
