Hadjar unlikely to return at Madrid as Red Bull urges patience over wrist injury

Isack Hadjar will almost certainly miss a third consecutive Formula 1 weekend as Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies confirmed the 21-year-old Frenchman is unlikely to be fit in time for the inaugural Madrid Grand Prix, with his wrist injury requiring further recovery time.

Hadjar hurt his wrist during training over the summer break, forcing him to sit out the Dutch and Italian Grands Prix. Liam Lawson has stepped into the Red Bull seat in his absence, with Yuki Tsunoda moving across to cover at Racing Bulls.

Speaking during first practice in Spain, Mekies was candid about the timeline. “Madrid is a few days from now, so that’s tricky. We’ll reevaluate his situation, but targeting Madrid probably is tricky,” he said. “The priority, what will influence our decision, is being sure he returns at 100% and with zero risks for his future.”

Mekies was equally clear that Red Bull has no intention of rushing Hadjar back prematurely. “The absolute priority is his recovery. We have no reason to take risks with it. His season so far has been fantastic, he’s very young, he improves every time he drives the car, so it’s important for him to return when he’s 100%.”

Hadjar has drawn on the experience of seven-time MotoGP champion Marc Marquez, who has spoken openly about the long-term damage caused by returning from injury too soon. The approach from both driver and team has been to follow medical guidance rather than chase a quick comeback.

Despite his absence from the cockpit, Hadjar’s 2026 points tally received an unexpected boost on the same day. The International Court of Appeal reinstated speeding penalties against Pierre Gasly for the Monaco Grand Prix, restoring Hadjar’s original podium finish and the championship points that came with it.