Lawson Replaces Injured Hadjar at Dutch GP

Liam Lawson will get another opportunity to race for Red Bull after the team confirmed he will replace the injured Isack Hadjar at this weekend's Dutch Grand Prix.

Hadjar has been ruled out of the season-resuming round at Zandvoort after sustaining a wrist injury during Formula 1's summer shutdown. The injury brings an end to an impressive run of form for the French rookie, who currently sits eighth in the Drivers' Championship and had scored points in seven consecutive Grands Prix before the break.

With Max Verstappen preparing for his home race in the Netherlands, Red Bull have turned to Lawson to fill the vacancy in the RB22.

The call-up marks a return to Red Bull machinery for the New Zealander, who previously competed for the senior team during the opening rounds of the 2025 season. Since returning to Racing Bulls, Lawson has established himself as one of the standout performers in the midfield and currently leads the fight among the teams outside Formula 1's traditional front-runners.

Red Bull confirmed the driver change in a statement released on Wednesday.

"Hadjar has sustained a wrist injury during summer shutdown that will prevent him from racing at the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix," the team said.

"We will be welcoming back 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."

Lawson's promotion creates a vacancy at Racing Bulls, with Red Bull reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda drafted in as a replacement alongside rookie Arvid Lindblad.

Tsunoda lost his full-time Formula 1 seat at the conclusion of the 2025 season but has remained closely involved with the Red Bull programme in a test and reserve capacity. His return means Racing Bulls will field an entirely different driver pairing for the Zandvoort weekend.

"We thank both Liam and Yuki for their adaptability as the teams prepare for the weekend and we wish Isack a speedy recovery," Racing Bulls said in a separate statement.

The reshuffle adds another fascinating storyline to a Dutch Grand Prix weekend already expected to attract huge attention thanks to Verstappen's homecoming.

For Lawson, it represents a chance to once again showcase his talent on Formula 1's biggest stage. Strong performances with Racing Bulls have kept the 24-year-old firmly in the conversation for future opportunities within the Red Bull family, and he will now have the opportunity to demonstrate his pace directly against four-time World Champion Verstappen.

Meanwhile, Hadjar's absence will be a disappointment after emerging as one of the breakout stars of the 2026 season. The Frenchman has consistently impressed in his rookie campaign and will be hoping to return to action as soon as possible as he continues his charge towards the top end of the championship standings.

All eyes will now be on Zandvoort to see whether Lawson can make the most of an unexpected second chance in Red Bull colours.