Hadjar to miss Dutch GP through injury, Lawson in at Red Bull

Formula 1 returns from its summer break with a major driver lineup shuffle at Formula 1 for the final Dutch Grand Prix on the calendar. Isack Hadjar, who sits eighth in the drivers’ standings following a strong rookie campaign that included points in seven consecutive grands prix, is sidelined for the August 21–23, 2026 race weekend.

The Injury and Red Bull’s Official Replacement Plan

Reports of Hadjar’s physical setback surfaced on Wednesday morning ahead of the season-resuming event. While initial reporting from De Telegraaf indicated the 21-year-old was injured during gym training—with the BBC specifying the incident occurred during a boxing workout—Oracle Red Bull Racing issued an official statement without detailing the exact activity.

“Oracle Red Bull Racing driver, 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.”

Oracle Red Bull Racing, Official Statement

Just days prior, Hadjar was fully anticipated to race at Zandvoort, where Red Bull had promoted his special Delft Blue helmet design celebrating the final edition of the Dutch GP. The event drops off the F1 calendar after this season because organizers are no longer able to make it financially viable. Team management is aiming for Hadjar to recover in time for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza in two weeks.

Liam Lawson Steps Back Into the Senior Team

Liam Lawson’s promotion to the senior Red Bull squad marks a high-stakes opportunity for the New Zealander, who currently competes for the sister Racing Bulls team. Lawson sits ninth in the drivers’ standings, functioning as best of the rest behind the four leading constructor teams with points finishes in eight of the first 11 races.

The temporary promotion allows Lawson to rewrite his history with the main Red Bull outfit after a difficult two-race stint alongside Max Verstappen at the start of the 2025 season. Demoted to Racing Bulls early last year, Lawson rebuilt his form and established himself as a consistent midfield performer.

There is notable historical symmetry to Lawson’s career milestone at Zandvoort. The New Zealander made his F1 debut at the Dutch circuit in 2023 when he replaced Daniel Ricciardo, who had broken his wrist during a free practice crash.

Yuki Tsunoda Returns to the Grid at Racing Bulls

Lawson’s departure to the senior team opens a vacancy at Racing Bulls, which will be filled by Yuki Tsunoda. Tsunoda serves as the official test and reserve driver for both Red Bull squads after losing his full-time race seat at the end of last season.

Visa Cash App Racing Bulls confirmed the lineup adjustment in a simultaneous release alongside the senior team announcement.

“Visa Cash App Racing Bulls can confirm that Liam Lawson will race for Oracle Red Bull Racing at the Dutch Grand Prix this weekend due to Isack Hadjar’s wrist injury. As a result of the driver change, Reserve Driver Yuki Tsunoda, will race for Racing Bulls in Zandvoort this weekend, alongside Arvid Lindblad. We thank both Liam and Yuki for their adaptability as the teams prepare for the weekend and we wish Isack a speedy recovery.”

Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, Official Statement

For Tsunoda, the Zandvoort weekend provides an immediate platform to put himself in the shop window as he evaluates options for a full-time return to competitive racing, with reported links to an IndyCar drive at Meyer Shank Racing for 2027. He will partner rookie Arvid Lindblad at Racing Bulls as track action gets underway with Friday practice ahead of Sunday’s 72-lap Grand Prix.