Liam Lawson Returns to Red Bull Racing as Isack Hadjar Sidelined for Dutch Grand Prix

In a surprising turn of events ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing has confirmed a shake-up in its driver lineup. Isack Hadjar, the rising star promoted to the senior team for 2026, has been ruled out of the Zandvoort round due to a wrist injury. Stepping into the cockpit for a one-off drive is the talented New Zealander, Liam Lawson.

The Setback for Isack Hadjar

The news comes as a blow to Hadjar, who has been on a meteoric rise within the Red Bull ecosystem. After a standout rookie season that included a memorable podium at last year’s Dutch Grand Prix, Hadjar was earmarked for a seat alongside Max Verstappen in 2026.

While the specific details of the wrist injury haven’t been fully disclosed, the team’s decision to confirm a replacement well ahead of the weekend—rather than waiting for a last-minute fitness test—suggests that Hadjar’s condition requires immediate recovery. With Zandvoort being a sprint weekend, the intensity is higher than usual, leaving no room for a driver who isn’t at 100% physical capacity.

Liam Lawson: A Full Circle Moment at Zandvoort

For Liam Lawson, returning to the senior Red Bull team is more than just a substitute role; it is a poetic return to where it all began. Zandvoort is the very circuit where Lawson made his Formula 1 debut in 2023, stepping in for the injured Daniel Ricciardo.

Lawson’s journey has been a rollercoaster. After a brief stint with the senior team in 2025, he was demoted to Racing Bulls. However, he has spent the current season proving his worth. Currently sitting ninth in the drivers’ championship with 43 points, Lawson has become the strongest driver outside the top four teams, boasting a five-race scoring streak that highlights his maturity and pace.

Comparing the Numbers: Lawson vs. Hadjar

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• Liam Lawson: 43 points, 9th in the championship, current leader at Racing Bulls.
• Isack Hadjar: Leading the youth charge, previously secured a podium at Zandvoort.
• The Stakes: Lawson is widely viewed as a leading internal candidate for a permanent 2027 seat should Max Verstappen decide to depart.

The Red Bull Strategy: Why Lawson and not Tsunoda?

Interestingly, Yuki Tsunoda serves as the official test and reserve driver for 2026. However, Red Bull Racing opted to pull Lawson from the sister squad in Faenza. This move signals the team’s immense confidence in Lawson’s current form and his ability to handle the pressure of the senior car under sprint-race conditions.

As the paddock moves toward the Red Bull Racing garage for qualifying on Saturday night, all eyes will be on Lawson. Can he capitalize on this opportunity to cement his future in the sport, or will the ghost of his previous stint haunt him?

What’s Next for the Grid?

Following the Dutch Grand Prix, the calendar moves quickly to the Italian Grand Prix at Monza (September 4-6) and then to Madrid. Whether Isack Hadjar will be fit for these rounds remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the battle for the future of Red Bull’s seats is heating up.