Red Bull confirms Azerbaijan GP line-up change as Antonelli debate heats up

Red Bull has confirmed a line-up change for this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Isack Hadjar returning to the team. The decision ends days of speculation over the second seat and sets up a key moment for Red Bull's driver program in Baku.

Why it matters:

Red Bull's driver choices have become one of the most closely watched storylines this season. With the championship battle tightening, every line-up call carries extra weight — and Hadjar's return gives the team a chance to assess him under race pressure at a circuit where Red Bull has often been strong.

The details:

• Red Bull confirmed Hadjar will be in the car for the Azerbaijan GP, with the move coming ahead of the Baku weekend.
• Kimi Antonelli has been handed a Lewis Hamilton example in the debate over whether he is a "generational talent" — with the comparison used to argue he is not there yet.
• F1 posted a record turnover of £429.6 million ($574.2 million) for 2025, though profit dipped slightly.
• Toto Wolff has warned Mercedes must get "preparation, reliability, and operational execution" right heading into a demanding period in the title fight.
• Haas boss Ayao Komatsu denied any "Ferrari concern" about running two Ferrari junior drivers in 2027.
• F1 drivers have been urged to stage their own version of Max Verstappen's 'Max vs 100' karting event — without cameras rolling.

What's next:

All eyes turn to Baku, where Red Bull's revised line-up will face its first competitive test. Mercedes knows the next few races could define its title hopes. And with record revenues in the bank, F1's commercial momentum shows no sign of slowing.