FIA calls up Red Bull in Baku after decision regarding Verstappen’s teammate

On Tuesday, the FIA announced the schedule for the press conferences in Azerbaijan. Hadjar is immediately part of the first group of F1 drivers, appearing before the international media on Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. Dutch time (1:30 p.m. local time). The Frenchman will be joined by Charles Leclerc and Alex Albon. Verstappen has not been called up for the press conference but will speak to the media during his usual individual media session.

The timing comes shortly after Red Bull officially confirmed Hadjar’s return. He missed the last three race weekends due to a wrist injury and was temporarily replaced at Red Bull by Liam Lawson. Hadjar has now sufficiently recovered and will get back in the car alongside Verstappen during FP1 on Thursday, while Lawson returns to his seat at Racing Bulls.

Half an hour after Hadjar, it will be the turn of Sergio Perez, Oscar Piastri, and George Russell. They will also speak to the press for a total of half an hour. This means six Formula 1 drivers have been designated by the FIA for the official press moments on Wednesday.

Red Bull must send another representative the following day. Team principal Laurent Mekies is scheduled for Thursday at 12:30 p.m. Dutch time (2:30 p.m. local time) for the press conference with the team representatives. He will be joined by Mattia Binotto of Audi and Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu.

For Mekies, this is the first official FIA press appearance after Red Bull gave the definitive green light for Hadjar’s return. As a result, the Frenchman resumes his place alongside Verstappen, Lawson goes back to Racing Bulls, and Yuki Tsunoda returns to his role as reserve driver after filling in for three race weekends.