F1 news: Liam Lawson to replace Isack Hadjar for Dutch GP as Yuki Tsunoda returns
Formula 1 returns to action for the Dutch Grand Prix at the Zandvoort circuit after the summer break, but one Red Bull driver will not take part in this weekend’s action.
Isack Hadjar has been replaced by Liam Lawson ahead of the Dutch GP after the Algerian-French driver was sidelined by a wrist injury.
In an inconsistent Red Bull car that has not lived up to expectations, the 21-year-old has enjoyed a decent season since being promoted from Racing Bulls.
Despite two DNFs, Hadjar has finished inside the top eight in all but one race, while he narrowly missed out on a podium at the Monaco GP after penalties were applied.
He is currently eighth in the drivers’ standings, just 41 points behind sixth-placed Max Verstappen.
Lawson returns to Red Bull
Lawson is not unfamiliar with driving alongside Verstappen.
Following promising performances with Racing Bulls in 2024, the New Zealander was promoted to Red Bull for the 2025 season, replacing Sergio Perez.
However, his spell with Red Bull was short-lived, as he was demoted back to the junior team, while Yuki Tsunoda stepped up to the senior team for the remainder of the season.
Tsunoda himself will return to the grid after losing his full-time seat at the end of last season. He will drive Lawson’s VCARB 03, partnering rookie Arvid Lindblad.
The Japanese driver is now a test and reserve driver for both Red Bull and Racing Bulls.
"Hadjar has sustained a wrist injury during summer shutdown that will prevent him from racing at the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix," Red Bull confirmed in an official statement.
"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."
Racing Bulls released a separate statement saying, "We thank both Liam and Yuki for their adaptability as the teams prepare for the weekend and we wish Isack a speedy recovery."
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Something to prove
Hadjar is expected to return in time to compete at the next race, the Italian GP in Monza.
Tsunoda therefore has just one weekend to prove to teams across the grid that he is still worth considering, while Lawson will need to prove to Red Bull that he can compete alongside Verstappen.
The 2026 Dutch Grand Prix will be available to watch on Sky Sports F1 on Sunday, August 23.
