Isack Hadjar is optimistic about returning to Formula 1 at the Italian Grand Prix after missing Zandvoort with a left wrist injury sustained during a gym training session. The Red Bull driver says his recovery is progressing quickly and is targeting the September 4-6 Monza weekend, although neither he nor the team has yet confirmed whether he will be fit to race.
Hadjar was forced to sit out the Dutch Grand Prix after suffering the injury during the summer break. Further details later emerged about the training session behind Isack Hadjar’s wrist injury, which prevented him from competing at Zandvoort.
Isack Hadjar targets Monza return after wrist injury
The Frenchman made the sensible decision not to race in the Netherlands, a choice that also came after consulting Marc Marquez. Hadjar has been performing strongly since joining Red Bull and did not need to take unnecessary risks at Zandvoort simply to prove that he has a significant future in Formula 1.
For a racing driver, an injury of this kind requires caution. Two weeks later, Hadjar is still wearing a wrist support, but he is eager to return to the cockpit and hopes to be ready for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
Hadjar gives encouraging recovery update
“It’s the first injury of my career. It’s strange to be on the sidelines and I’m not happy about it at all, either for myself or for the team. Obviously, I would always like to be on track,” Isack Hadjar said.
The Red Bull driver nevertheless offered a positive update on the condition of his left wrist and the progress he has made during his recovery.
“The wrist isn’t swollen, and that’s a good sign. It’s healing quickly, every day I have a little more mobility and I’m optimistic for Monza,” he added.
Red Bull has not yet confirmed Hadjar’s Monza plans
For now, neither Red Bull nor Isack Hadjar has confirmed the final plan for Monza. His fitness will therefore remain one of the questions surrounding the Milton Keynes team ahead of the Italian Grand Prix.
Red Bull does at least have significant depth within its driver line-up if one of its regular drivers is unavailable. Yuki Tsunoda remains an option and was given an unexpected return to Formula 1 at Zandvoort after Hadjar’s injury triggered a reshuffle across the two Red Bull teams. Before that comeback, Hadjar had even sent Yuki Tsunoda a brief message ahead of his F1 return.
Making his first competitive appearance with the new-generation cars, Yuki Tsunoda immediately came close to the points at the Dutch Grand Prix and finished ahead of Arvid Lindblad. Red Bull therefore has a ready alternative if Hadjar is not cleared in time.
Hadjar’s own intention, however, is clear. With the swelling gone and mobility improving every day, the Frenchman is hoping his first injury setback in Formula 1 will prove short-lived and that he can return to his Red Bull cockpit when the championship arrives at Monza.
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