Nico Rosberg has offered a stark insight into the severity of Isack Hadjar’s wrist injury, describing the challenge of driving a Formula 1 car in such a condition as “really horrible.” The Red Bull rookie has now missed three consecutive race weekends, with the team refusing to rush his return until he is completely fit.
Hadjar’s absence has forced Red Bull into a temporary reshuffle, while the Frenchman continues his recovery from an injury sustained during the summer break.
HADJAR’S INJURY SIDELINES HIM FOR THREE RACES
The 20-year-old damaged his wrist while training during the mid-season shutdown. The injury has proven significant enough to keep him out of the Dutch Grand Prix, the Italian Grand Prix and the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid. He attended the Madring event wearing a wrist brace, underlining that full recovery has not yet been achieved.
Liam Lawson was promoted from Racing Bulls to partner Max Verstappen during Hadjar’s absence, while Yuki Tsunoda returned to the grid to fill the vacant seat at the junior team.
ROSBERG EXPLAINS WHY WRIST INJURIES ARE SO DEBILITATING
Former world champion Nico Rosberg, speaking from experience of the physical demands of Formula 1, highlighted just how debilitating a wrist injury can be. Modern cars require precise and repeated inputs through the steering wheel, with drivers managing complex systems while absorbing significant forces. Any restriction in wrist strength or mobility quickly becomes a major limitation.
Rosberg’s comments help explain why Red Bull have taken a cautious approach. What might appear to be a relatively localised injury can severely compromise a driver’s ability to perform at the required level over a full race distance.
RED BULL REFUSE TO TAKE ANY RISKS
Team principal Laurent Mekies confirmed that the sole criterion for Hadjar’s return is whether the driver himself feels 100 per cent. “He didn’t feel that he was 100 per cent and that’s the only criteria we used – are you 100 percent?” Mekies said at the Madring. “We always said we would prioritise him coming back at 100 percent.”
The clear stance prioritises long-term recovery over short-term availability. With a significant portion of the season still remaining, Red Bull are unwilling to risk further setbacks that could compromise Hadjar’s debut campaign.
TARGETING A RETURN IN AZERBAIJAN
Red Bull remain hopeful that Hadjar will be fit enough to return for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The Baku street circuit presents its own unique challenges, but the team’s priority remains ensuring the young driver is fully ready rather than forcing a premature comeback.
Until then, Lawson will continue to gain valuable experience in the senior team, while Hadjar focuses on completing his rehabilitation.
THE BIGGER PICTURE FOR HADJAR’S ROOKIE SEASON
Hadjar had been enjoying an encouraging debut year with Red Bull before the injury interrupted his progress. Missing three consecutive weekends is a significant blow for any rookie seeking to build momentum and familiarity with the car. How quickly he can regain full fitness and match his earlier form will shape the narrative of the remainder of his season.
For Red Bull, the situation is a reminder of the fine margins in driver management. Protecting a promising young talent from long-term damage must take precedence over immediate results. Thanks to Rosberg’s candid assessment, the scale of the challenge facing Hadjar is now clearer than ever. The next step is ensuring he returns only when that challenge can be met at full strength.
