Liam Lawson to Substitute for Injured Isack Hadjar at Dutch Grand Prix

Red Bull has officially announced that Liam Lawson will step in for an injured Isack Hadjar at this weekend’s Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix.

Reports surfaced Wednesday morning indicating that Hadjar sustained a wrist injury during a gym session, forcing him to sit out the Zandvoort event. This setback means Hadjar will miss the opportunity to compete at the circuit where he secured his only F1 podium—a third-place finish for Racing Bulls during his standout 2025 rookie season.

“Oracle Red Bull Racing driver Isack Hadjar sustained a wrist injury during the summer shutdown, which will prevent him from competing in the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix,” the team confirmed in a statement to Motorsport.com.

“We are welcoming back Liam Lawson, who will replace him in the RB22 this weekend. The team wishes Isack a rapid recovery and thanks Liam for stepping in on such short notice.”

Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls

Photo by: Clive Mason / Getty Images

This move provides Lawson with an opportunity to return to a role alongside Max Verstappen. After serving as Verstappen’s teammate for the first two rounds of the 2025 season before returning to Racing Bulls, the 24-year-old enters this weekend in improved form. He has impressed with Red Bull’s sister squad, currently holding ninth place in the standings after 11 rounds and scoring points in nearly every race this year.

“Due to this driver change, reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda will race for Racing Bulls in Zandvoort alongside Arvid Lindblad,” Racing Bulls stated. “We thank both Liam and Yuki for their flexibility as the teams prepare for the weekend and wish Isack a speedy recovery.”

Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing Team

Photo by: Alex Bierens de Haan / Getty Images

Tsunoda’s participation marks an F1 return for the driver, who was left without a seat for the 2026 grid following challenges competing alongside Verstappen last season. Now serving as a Red Bull reserve, the 26-year-old veteran with 111 Grand Prix starts will partner rookie Arvid Lindblad for Racing Bulls’ final Dutch Grand Prix before the team exits the calendar.

Tsunoda is reportedly in discussions regarding a move to IndyCar with Meyer Shank Racing for the 2027 season.

Source link