Isack Hadjar Sidelined for Zandvoort Return
Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar is set to miss the Dutch Grand Prix after sustaining a wrist injury during routine training ahead of Formula 1's return from the summer break. While Red Bull has not yet issued a formal comment or confirmation, the 21-year-old Frenchman is not expected to be fit enough to handle the physical steering loads around Circuit Zandvoort's banked corners this weekend.
Driver Shuffle: Lawson and Tsunoda Prepared to Step In
The latest update indicates an immediate restructuring across Red Bull's driver lineup. Liam Lawson is expected to be promoted from junior outfit Racing Bulls to partner Max Verstappen at the senior team for the Sprint weekend. To backfill the vacancy at Racing Bulls, reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda is set to deputise alongside Arvid Lindblad.
This potential call-up marks a significant shift for Lawson, who was dropped by Red Bull just two rounds into the 2025 campaign after initially replacing Sergio Perez. Tsunoda subsequently ran the remainder of 2025 alongside Verstappen before stepping into a reserve role, leaving the 26-year-old seeking to showcase his capabilities for a potential full-time grid return in 2027.
Standings Impact and Recovery Timeline Ahead of Monza
Hadjar has produced a solid campaign in his first year with the senior team and is expected to remain Verstappen's teammate next season. Through 11 of 23 scheduled rounds, Hadjar sits eighth in the drivers' standings, trailing sixth-placed Verstappen by 41 points as both drivers navigate the performance limitations of Red Bull's current chassis.
With Zandvoort hosting a demanding Sprint format, Hadjar will focus on rehabilitation over the coming fortnight. The target return window is the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, scheduled for September 4–6, granting the Frenchman additional recovery time before subjecting his wrist to high-speed lateral and braking forces once again.