Red Bull Formula 1 driver Isack Hadjar is undergoing a final simulator evaluation at the team’s facility on Monday, September 21, to determine if he will return for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix after missing three races with a wrist injury.
Isack Hadjar is facing a crucial deadline at the Red Bull factory as team leadership prepares to decide whether the French driver can return to the cockpit for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku. The team’s evaluation centers on a simulator session designed to test Hadjar’s physical readiness under real-life racing constraints following a wrist injury sustained during the summer break.
Red Bull Clears Recovery Timeline Ahead of Baku Decision
Hadjar has been sidelined for three grands prix, missing races in Zandvoort, Monza, and Madrid while recovering from the training accident that occurred during the three-week break. Despite the extended absence, Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies dismissed concerns regarding the healing process, confirming that the recovery has adhered to standard medical expectations for this type of injury.
Isack is good… There is nothing wrong with Isack’s recovery.
Laurent Mekies, Red Bull team boss, via Formula 1
Mekies emphasized that the team refuses to rush the French driver back into the RB22 if it risks his physical well-being. What we don’t want to do is by having an early return, compromise his long-term capacity to come back to 100%.
Hadjar has reportedly indicated that his hand feels improved with a noticeable reduction in pain, prompting the final evaluation on the simulator.
Liam Lawson Awaits Final Verdict for Baku Grand Prix Grid
The outcome of Monday’s simulator test will trigger a cascade of driver assignments across both Red Bull and Racing Bulls for the upcoming race weekend in Baku, which features a Saturday race schedule. If Hadjar is cleared to drive, Liam Lawson will return to his seat at Racing Bulls alongside Arvid Lindblad, ending Yuki Tsunoda’s three-race stint in the Racing Bulls cockpit and returning Tsunoda to his reserve duties.
Should Hadjar remain on the sidelines, Lawson will continue deputizing alongside Max Verstappen for a fourth consecutive race. In Hadjar’s absence earlier in the season, Lawson has secured two points finishes, while Verstappen has added two podiums to demonstrate the competitive pace of the Red Bull machinery. Hadjar previously established a strong campaign prior to the injury, collecting eight top-10 finishes, a podium in Monaco, and three qualifying sessions where he outpaced Verstappen.
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