Where every Red Bull driver stands as Hadjar returns

Red Bull's first-choice driver lineup is back for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Isack Hadjar returning from a three-race injury layoff. Liam Lawson heads back to Racing Bulls, while Yuki Tsunoda resumes his reserve role after his F1 2026 cameo. The three races without Hadjar offered a revealing snapshot of Red Bull's five-driver pool.

Why it matters:

Red Bull sits fourth in the constructors' championship, and with Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren all reliably getting points from both cars, Red Bull needs its second driver in the mix. Where each of its five drivers stands now will shape the team's finish to 2026.

The details:

• Hadjar must rise with the tide: Hadjar averaged 6.5 points per race before his injury, compared to Verstappen's 9.9. But Verstappen's average has since jumped to 12 points per race. Lawson managed only 4.7 per event in Hadjar's absence, so Hadjar returns with the expectation of being at or near his best immediately.
• Lawson silenced doubts: The 2025 struggles felt distant as Lawson settled quickly into a tricky Red Bull car, scoring points twice in three races. He likely didn't do enough to reclaim the seat permanently, but he proved he's exactly what Racing Bulls needs as it leads Alpine in the midfield battle.
• Tsunoda remains a reliable option: Quick to adapt, Tsunoda qualified just a tenth off Lindblad at Zandvoort and scored a point at Monza despite a Q1 exit. Solid but not spectacular — an ideal stand-in, though not someone who forces a lineup rethink.
• Lindblad keeps impressing: The 19-year-old rookie extended his Q3 streak to seven races and led Racing Bulls well in Tsunoda's absence. His growing consistency may shift the balance of power at Racing Bulls in his favor.

The big picture:

A seamless Hadjar return would boost Verstappen, who has often fought one-handed. Lawson never finished within a minute of the winner in three starts, leaving Red Bull short in the constructors' fight. Hadjar's return is crucial as Red Bull chases improvement on its fourth-place standing.

What's next:

Azerbaijan opens a physically demanding triple-header that will test Hadjar's rehabilitation and sharpness. An instantly strong return would vindicate Red Bull's faith — and Verstappen's belief that 2026 cars aren't demanding enough.