Hadjar ruled out again as Red Bull confirm Madrid line-ups

40

Red Bull has decided once again not to rush Isack Hadjar back into Formula 1 action, confirming that the Frenchman will miss this weekend’s inaugural Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid as he continues to recover from his wrist injury.

The decision means Liam Lawson will once again partner Max Verstappen in the RB22, while Yuki Tsunoda will remain in the second Racing Bulls seat for a third successive race.

Hadjar fractured his wrist while boxing, an activity he regularly incorporates into his physical training. The injury ruled him out of the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, prompting Red Bull to switch Lawson into its senior car and hand Tsunoda a return to the Racing Bulls lineup.

That arrangement was retained for last weekend’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza, and with Madrid following immediately as part of a double-header, Red Bull has again opted for caution rather than risk aggravating Hadjar’s condition.

Healing process ‘progressing positively’

Red Bull announced on Monday evening that Hadjar's recovery is continuing in the right direction, but not quickly enough for him to safely tackle the demanding new Madring circuit.

"The decision has been taken as Isack's recovery continues to progress positively," Red Bull communicated. "While he is not yet ready to return to the cockpit, he will be in Madrid supporting the team."

The decision comes after team principal Laurent Mekies had already warned last weekend that a return for Hadjar at the Madrid event would be "tricky" given the limited recovery time between Monza and this week’s round of racing.

With the new circuit set to make its F1 debut, Red Bull has therefore chosen not to gamble on Hadjar being able to withstand the physical demands of a grand prix weekend.

Instead, the 21-year-old will watch from the garage as Lawson gets another opportunity to demonstrate his progress alongside Verstappen.

The Kiwi finished an impressive seventh at Zandvoort, but his hopes of another points finish in Monza were compromised by an engine-related grid penalty.

Read also: F1i Driver Ratings for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix

Tsunoda, meanwhile, opened his 2026 points account at Monza, bringing his Racing Bulls home in 10th. His weekend was not entirely free of controversy, however, with Audi still weighing an appeal over the stewards' decision not to punish the Japanese driver for an incident that resulted in an additional formation lap.

For now, though, both drivers remain exactly where Red Bull wants them. Hadjar will continue his recovery away from the cockpit, while Lawson and Tsunoda prepare to tackle the first-ever Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook

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.