Red Bull Racing’s reserve driver Isack Hadjar is back in the cockpit for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, after missing the last three races due to a wrist injury. Per Sky Sports F1, the 22‑year‑old Frenchman has recovered sufficiently to resume competitive driving and will be ready for the weekend’s practice sessions on Thursday. The announcement comes as the team prepares to field a full grid for the 2024 season, with the young driver expected to take the wheel of the RB19 in the high‑downforce, street‑circuit environment of Baku.
Hadjar’s absence began at the 2023 Italian Grand Prix, when a wrist injury sustained in a crash forced him to sit out the subsequent races in Hungary, Belgium and the United Kingdom. After a period of physiotherapy and gradual re‑introduction to the track, the Red Bull team confirmed that he was fit to compete again. The driver, who has been a key component of the team’s development program, has expressed enthusiasm about returning to the front‑row action and contributing to the team’s push for the 2024 Constructors’ title.
From a technical standpoint, the RB19’s high‑downforce setup and the demanding nature of the Baku street circuit will test Hadjar’s skill set. The track’s long straight and tight corners require precise braking and acceleration, areas where the reserve driver has shown promise during his time in the junior categories. Red Bull’s technical director has noted that the driver’s recent training sessions have demonstrated a solid understanding of the car’s handling characteristics, giving the team confidence in his readiness.
For Indian fans, the Azerbaijan GP will be broadcast on FanCode from 2:00 PM IST, with live commentary and analysis. The race is scheduled to start at 12:00 GMT (2:00 PM IST) on Saturday, followed by the qualifying session on Friday. Fans can tune in to catch Hadjar’s return and see how he performs against the field of top teams.
Source: Sky Sports F1
