Confirmed: Hadjar out, Lawson in at Red Bull for Dutch GP

©Red Bull

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Red Bull has confirmed that Isack Hadjar will miss this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix after suffering a wrist injury during the summer shutdown, opening the door for Liam Lawson to make a surprise return to the team alongside Max Verstappen.

The news ends the uncertainty surrounding Hadjar’s participation at Zandvoort, where the Frenchman scored the only F1 podium of his career so far with third place for Racing Bulls in 2025.

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

“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,” the team said.

“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.”

The call-up gives Lawson another opportunity to race for Red Bull after his first spell with the senior team lasted only two grands prix at the beginning of 2025 before he was returned to Racing Bulls.

The 24-year-old arrives back at Red Bull in considerably stronger form, having impressed throughout his 2026 campaign with the sister team. Lawson sits ninth in the championship after 11 rounds and has scored points in all but three races.

Tsunoda returns to the fray

Lawson’s promotion also triggers a second driver change, with Red Bull reserve Yuki Tsunoda returning to Racing Bulls for the Dutch weekend alongside rookie Arvid Lindblad.

“As a result of the driver change, reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda, will race for Racing Bulls in Zandvoort this weekend, alongside Arvid Lindblad,” the Faenza squad said.

“We thank both Liam and Yuki for their adaptability as the teams prepare for the weekend and we wish Isack a speedy recovery.”

For Tsunoda, the unexpected recall provides a return to the F1 grid after losing his Red Bull seat following a difficult 2025 campaign.

The reshuffle leaves Zandvoort set for a fascinating reunion: Lawson returns to the Red Bull cockpit, Tsunoda goes back to Racing Bulls, and Hadjar must watch from the sidelines as he recovers from his injury.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.