ONE RETURN, THREE DRIVERS RESET: HADJAR IS BACK FOR BAKU
Hadjar’s recovery puts him back alongside Max Verstappen, returns Liam Lawson to Racing Bulls and sends Yuki Tsunoda back to reserve duties after three races of emergency reshuffling.
One injured wrist rearranged three drivers across two Formula 1 teams. Isack Hadjar’s return at the Azerbaijan GP now puts the entire Red Bull lineup back where it started.
Red Bull confirmed that Hadjar has successfully recovered from the wrist injury he sustained while training during the summer break. He will return alongside Max Verstappen in Baku after missing the Dutch, Italian and Spanish GPs.
Hadjar has not raced since the Hungarian GP in July. His first session back in the RB22 will be Thursday practice, with the Azerbaijan weekend running one day earlier than usual.
The temporary chain reaction runs backward
Hadjar’s absence created an immediate opening at Red Bull. Liam Lawson moved across from Racing Bulls to replace him, while reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda stepped into Lawson’s usual seat.
That arrangement lasted for three races. With Hadjar cleared to return, Lawson will head back to Racing Bulls and Tsunoda will resume his reserve role for both Red Bull-owned teams.
The distinction matters. Lawson’s move is not a new performance-based demotion. It is the planned end of a temporary assignment created by Hadjar’s injury.
Back to the original plan
Red Bull thanked Lawson for his professionalism, dedication and contribution during a difficult three-race assignment. The team credited him with delivering strong performances despite stepping into the RB22 on short notice.
Racing Bulls also thanked Tsunoda for filling the vacancy and contributing points during his temporary return to the grid.
Baku therefore closes an unusual chapter rather than opening another driver controversy. Hadjar resumes his season, Lawson returns to his regular team and Tsunoda goes back to the reserve position he held before the summer break. After three weekends of substitutions, both teams can once again focus on racing with their intended lineups.
