Liam Lawson makes a surprise return to Red Bull Racing for this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, stepping up from Racing Bulls to replace Isack Hadjar after the French-Algerian driver sustained a wrist injury during the mid-season break.
The unexpected promotion places Lawson alongside Max Verstappen at the four-time world champion’s final home event at Circuit Zandvoort, which is hosting its final Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix race weekend before private promoters exit the circuit after Sunday’s race according to reports. Red Bull confirmed the lineup change in a statement released on Wednesday, noting that Hadjar’s wrist injury will prevent him from racing at the Dutch Grand Prix.
Red Bull Confirms Lineup Shift as Hadjar Sidelined by Wrist Injury
Hadjar has compiled a strong debut season with Red Bull, scoring 68 points and establishing himself consistently in the top six during the last seven rounds. However, a mid-season shutdown injury has forced the team to alter its driver roster.
“Isack Hadjar has sustained a wrist injury during summer shutdown that will prevent him from racing at the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix. We will be welcoming back Liam Lawson who will replace him in RB22 this weekend. The team wishes Isack a speedy recovery and thanks Liam for stepping in on short notice.”
Red Bull statement, via sports.yahoo.com
The development marks a dramatic turnaround for Lawson, who was dropped by Red Bull after just two races in early 2025 and demoted to Racing Bulls. The New Zealander bounced back during the current campaign, entering the summer break as the highest-ranked driver outside Formula 1’s top four teams by banking 43 points to sit ninth in the World Drivers’ Championship.
Lawson Weighs the Challenge of Stepping Back Into the Top Team
Speaking to media at Zandvoort, Lawson acknowledged the abrupt nature of his recall while emphasizing his growth since his previous brief stint with the senior squad in the 2025 championship.
“Overall, for sure in terms of just being in Formula 1. I’ve had a lot more races since then as well. I feel much more comfortable racing in this sport, but it’s going to be a very challenging weekend, for sure.”
Liam Lawson, via odt.co.nz
Lawson pointed out that adjusting to an unfamiliar car during a sprint weekend with only a single practice session requires a targeted approach. I’m sure getting in the car at the start of practice is going to be quite foreign and take a bit of getting used to, but I honestly think trying to learn as much as I can through even the Sprint Qualifying and Sprint, and being as prepared for Quali on Saturday, that’s probably the target,
he told reporters at the circuit.
Yuki Tsunoda Returns to Grid as Driver Changes Ripple Through Racing Bulls
Hadjar’s absence also creates a vacancy further down the grid, opening the door for Yuki Tsunoda to return to active competition after losing his full-time seat at the end of last season. Tsunoda, who spent much of the year as a reserve driver and was linked to potential IndyCar opportunities for 2027, will step into Lawson’s vacated seat at Racing Bulls. He will partner with rookie Arvid Lindblad for the Zandvoort weekend.
The reshuffle introduces distinct competitive dynamics for both drivers. While Lawson aims to match the consistent points-scoring pace that Hadjar demonstrated in the Red Bull machinery, Tsunoda faces an immediate test alongside Lindblad in a Racing Bulls car.
Uncertainty Ahead of Monza and Pirelli Tyre Testing at Mugello
Red Bull has expressed hope that Hadjar will recover in time for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza on September 6, though team officials have not confirmed whether the Frenchman will be cleared to race or if Lawson will remain in the seat for another weekend.
The Dutch Grand Prix weekend schedule concludes with Monday’s race start at 1am New Zealand Time, marking the final appearance of Formula 1 at Zandvoort under the current promotional agreement backed by Circuit Zandvoort, TIG Sports, and SportVibes.
