Red Bull boss casts doubt over Isack Hadjar F1 return

Laurent Mekies has indicated that Isack Hadjar is unlikely to return for next week's Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, as the Frenchman continues his recovery from a wrist injury sustained during the F1 summer break.

After sitting out the final Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort as a precaution, the hairline fracture was not deemed healed enough, and his absence has now extended to this weekend's Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

Liam Lawson has stepped up from Racing Bulls for a second consecutive race to partner Max Verstappen. In turn, Yuki Tsunoda has taken Lawson's seat at the sister team yet again.

Speaking to Canal+ on Friday, Mekies offered a cautious update on Hadjar's fitness.

"Isack is fine," the Red Bull team principal said. "He can't drive today, so I'm not going to tell you he's happy, because he isn't.

"But his recovery is the absolute priority. There is absolutely no reason to take any risks in that regard. He's had a fantastic start to the season; he's very young and is improving with every outing in the car.

"That's why it's important that he only returns when he's 100 per cent fit again. So we'll take the necessary time, listen to his own feelings and the advice of the doctors, and give him the time he needs. I'm sure we'll be laughing about it soon."

The Spanish Grand Prix is scheduled for 11-13 September, leaving precious little time for Hadjar to recover and receive medical clearance.

"Madrid is just a few days away, so it's difficult," Mekies added. "We will examine him again, but a start in Madrid will likely be difficult. We're taking it race by race and considering the situation together in a very rational way.

"The crucial point, and this will also determine our decision, is that he only returns when he is 100 per cent fit and there is no risk to his further career."

The 21-year-old will at least have received some welcome news on Friday, with the FIA International Court of Appeal upholding the McLaren and Red Bull appeals into the Monaco Grand Prix classification.

Hadjar has been restored to third place in that race, marking his first podium for Red Bull and his second in Formula 1, following his maiden rostrum at the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix while racing for Racing Bulls.