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Lawson Steps in for Injured Hadjar as Tsunoda Makes F1 Comeback
Highlights
- Liam Lawson replaces injured Isack Hadjar at Dutch Grand Prix
- Hadjar’s wrist injury occurred during the F1 summer break
- Lawson joins Max Verstappen for Red Bull’s senior team
- Lawson currently ninth in drivers’ championship with 43 points
- Yuki Tsunoda returns to junior Racing Bulls team
- Hadjar’s return timing uncertain; longer gap before Italian GP
Liam Lawson returns to Red Bull for this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, replacing the injured Isack Hadjar.
Hadjar sustains a wrist injury during the summer break, initially reported by Dutch outlet De Telegraaf. The setback rules him out of Zandvoort, where he claimed a maiden F1 podium last year.
Lawson makes his third start for the senior team, stepping up from Racing Bulls to partner Max Verstappen. Red Bull prioritises continuity and recent car familiarity.
The move follows a turbulent 2025 driver shuffle. Lawson had been lined up to replace Sergio Perez, raced two events, then lost the seat as plans changed.
Yuki Tsunoda took Verstappen’s seat-mate role, with Lawson reverting to Racing Bulls. Lawson responded constructively, rebuilding momentum through consistent points finishes.
Lawson replaces injured Hadjar for Zandvoort as Red Bull seeks operational continuity alongside Verstappen.
He scored in seven races last season, with a best of fifth, and secured a 2026 seat by out-performing Tsunoda. That trajectory strengthened his case for this call-up.
The 24-year-old sits ninth in the standings on 43 points. His contributions lift Racing Bulls to fifth in the constructors’ fight, evidencing form and adaptability.
Notably, Lawson debuted in F1 at Zandvoort three years ago, substituting for Daniel Ricciardo after practice. Track familiarity further reduces Red Bull’s short-notice risk.
Tsunoda, meanwhile, returns to Racing Bulls after serving as Red Bull’s reserve this year. His appearance in Zandvoort will be his 90th start for the junior outfit.
Tsunoda’s Zandvoort start will be his 90th for the junior outfit since 2021.
He has also been linked with a 2027 IndyCar switch to Meyer Shank Honda, potentially replacing Felix Rosenqvist, who is set to join McLaren’s IndyCar programme.
Red Bull has not confirmed if Hadjar will miss further events beyond the Dutch Grand Prix. The schedule’s extended gap before Monza could aid recovery.
Extended gap to Monza offers Hadjar recovery time, but Red Bull provides no return timetable.
In sporting terms, Lawson’s selection offers Red Bull an experienced, in-form option in the current ground-effects era, limiting disruption as the team targets a clean operational weekend.
Visual Summary
Lawson Jumps Into Red Bull
Hadjar Injured, Zandvoort Stunner For Dutch GP
Hadjar Injured, Zandvoort Stunner For Dutch GP
3rd
Red Bull
start
start
43
Points
in 2026
in 2026
Lawson called up after Hadjar’s wrist injury
Replaces Hadjar at Zandvoort—scene of his F1 debut
Scored points in 7 races in 2025, now 9th in championship
Tsunoda:
Returns to Racing Bulls for 90th start
IndyCar?
Returns to Racing Bulls for 90th start
IndyCar?
Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.
