Liam Lawson returns to Red Bull for Dutch Grand Prix after Isack Hadjar’s injury
Red Bull has confirmed that Liam Lawson will step back into their car for this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, replacing Isack Hadjar after the Frenchman picked up a wrist problem during the summer break, reports BritPanorama.
The Milton Keynes outfit announced the change on Wednesday. Their statement read: “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.”
Lawson will line up alongside reigning four-time world champion Max Verstappen at this significant event, marking his return to Red Bull 16 months after being removed from their roster.
This recall represents a remarkable turnaround for the 24-year-old, who was dropped by Red Bull after just two races in March 2025—an announcement that left him in “shock.” Since his demotion to Racing Bulls, Lawson has successfully rebuilt his reputation, accumulating 43 points so far this campaign.
His return to the grid comes at Zandvoort, the very circuit where he first got his Formula One opportunity, having been called up by AlphaTauri in 2023 to replace Daniel Ricciardo, who was sidelined with a hand injury during practice. Hadjar’s setback creates an opening for Lawson to prove himself worthy of a permanent seat with the senior team.
Lawson’s departure triggers a further reshuffle within the team, with Yuki Tsunoda being reinstated to partner teenage sensation Arvid Lindblad at Zandvoort. The move carries a hint of irony, as Tsunoda had initially replaced Lawson at Red Bull, only to lose that seat himself at the end of last season.
Hadjar, who is 21 and in his debut season with Red Bull, has amassed 68 points this year. Reports from Dutch media indicate that the wrist issue occurred during a gym workout over the break. Whether he will recover in time for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza on 6 September remains uncertain.
The landscape of the championship continues to shift, with Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli holding a commanding 50-point lead over Lewis Hamilton as the season resumes along the Dutch coast.
As Lawson reclaims his spot on the grid, the unfolding drama in the Red Bull camp serves as a potent reminder of the volatile nature of motorsport, where opportunities can arise from unexpected circumstances and careers can pivot on a moment’s notice.
