Hadjar returns to Red Bull for Azerbaijan GP as Lawson moves back to Racing Bulls

Isack Hadjar will return to Red Bull for this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix at Baku after recovering from a wrist injury, with Liam Lawson moving back to Racing Bulls.

Why it matters:

The switch restores Red Bull's preferred lineup as the team fights to close the gap to McLaren in the constructors' championship. Hadjar, who has a podium from Monaco reinstated, needs to hit the ground running alongside Max Verstappen, while Lawson's consistent fill-in stint has boosted his stock.

The Details:

• Hadjar injured his wrist during summer training and was advised to avoid driving to allow proper recovery.
• Lawson deputised from the Dutch GP onward, scoring 14 points in three races. His only blank came at Monza, where power unit penalties and contact with Nico Hulkenberg damaged his front wing.
• Yuki Tsunoda stepped up from reserve to fill Lawson's seat at Racing Bulls, finishing 10th at Monza and just missing a point in Zandvoort.
• Hadjar's Monaco third place was reinstated after McLaren and Red Bull's appeal over Pierre Gasly's pitlane speeding penalties.

Between the lines:

Hadjar consulted MotoGP champion Marc Marquez, who suffered a career-altering arm injury in 2020. Marquez's advice: "Missing one race will not change your life. Worsening your injury because you ride too early can change your life." The lesson clearly shaped Hadjar's cautious recovery.

What's next:

Hadjar makes his first F1 appearance since the Hungarian GP, on a Baku street circuit that demands full fitness and confidence. Red Bull thanked Lawson for his professionalism and contribution, but the spotlight now shifts to Hadjar to justify the team's faith.