Red Bull casts doubt over Hadjar Madrid return

Red Bull has cast doubt over Isack Hadjar's chances of returning for next weekend's Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, with team principal Laurent Mekies admitting the turnaround may be too tight. The Frenchman has been sidelined since hurting his wrist during F1's summer break, missing the Dutch Grand Prix and this weekend's Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

Why it matters:

Hadjar's continued absence keeps Liam Lawson in the Red Bull seat alongside Max Verstappen, with Yuki Tsunoda remaining at Racing Bulls. The 21-year-old has enjoyed a strong debut season, and the team is prioritizing his long-term health over a rushed comeback.

The details:

• Hadjar initially hoped to return at Monza after reporting encouraging progress, with swelling subsiding and mobility improving daily.
• However, the team ultimately elected against putting him back in the car in Italy.
• Mekies told Canal+ that Madrid is "tricky" given it's only days away, with the team taking things "one race at a time."
• Marquez influence: Hadjar sought advice from MotoGP champion Marc Marquez, who warned against rushing back after his own career-altering Jerez injury in 2020.
  • "Missing one race will not change your life. Missing, or worsening your injury because you ride too early, can change your life," Marquez said.
• Lawson's opportunity: The New Zealander qualified eighth and finished seventh at Zandvoort, earning another chance at Monza.

What's next:

Should Hadjar be ruled out for Madrid, the same reshuffle remains the obvious option — Lawson continuing at Red Bull and Tsunoda staying at Racing Bulls alongside Arvid Lindblad. Mekies insists the priority is Hadjar returning at 100 percent with zero risk to his future.