After a brief hiatus from Formula 1, Red Bull Racing’s reserve driver Isack Hadjar is slated to return to the grid for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku. Per The Times of India, the 21‑year‑old French‑born driver has been cleared by the FIA to compete alongside team‑mate Max Verstappen, marking his first F1 appearance since the 2023 season. The announcement was echoed by grandprix247, which confirmed that Hadjar will be in the Red Bull car for the weekend.
Hadjar’s comeback comes after a highly successful campaign in the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship, where he finished third overall in the LMP2 class with the G-Drive Racing team. His performance earned him a podium at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and a podium finish at the 6 Hours of Spa, showcasing the speed and consistency that Red Bull hopes will translate to the F1 arena. The team’s decision to bring him back for Baku reflects their confidence in his development and the need for a reliable backup driver as the season progresses.
For the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Red Bull will field the RB19 for Verstappen and Hadjar, with the latter expected to drive the full 70‑lap race if required. The team’s strategy will likely involve a cautious approach, allowing Hadjar to gain experience in the high‑downforce environment of Baku’s street circuit while ensuring the car’s setup remains competitive for Verstappen. Fans can expect to see Hadjar’s first F1 lap in a Red Bull car, a moment that could signal a new chapter in his racing career.
For India: The Azerbaijan Grand Prix takes place on 7 September, with the race starting at 12:30 UTC, which translates to 18:00 IST. Indian viewers can watch the live coverage on FanCode, where the event will be streamed in high definition. Keep an eye on the commentary for insights into Hadjar’s performance and how the Red Bull team plans to utilize his skills in the upcoming races.
Source: The Times of India; grandprix247
