Red Bull Shakes Up Driver Line-up for Dutch Grand Prix as Hadjar Sidelined by Injury
Zandvoort, Netherlands – Red Bull Racing has announced a significant shake-up to its driver line-up for this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, following an unfortunate injury to young talent Isack Hadjar. The Frenchman, who has been enjoying a strong season, has been ruled out due to a wrist injury sustained during the summer shutdown.
Taking Hadjar’s place in the RB22 will be New Zealander Liam Lawson, marking his second call-up to the senior Red Bull team. Lawson’s previous stint with Red Bull at the start of the 2025 campaign proved challenging, resulting in his return to Racing Bulls shortly thereafter. However, his performance in the current 2026 season has been remarkably improved, with eight point-scoring finishes in the opening 11 rounds. This resurgence has evidently caught the eye of the Red Bull hierarchy, leading to his recall.
The official statement from Red Bull Racing confirmed the change: "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. 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."
Hadjar’s injury comes as an unwelcome interruption to his promising campaign. The 21-year-old was a driver to watch, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt by the team.
With Lawson now occupying a seat at Red Bull, Racing Bulls, their sister team, also found themselves in need of a substitute driver for the Zandvoort race. They have turned to a familiar face and team veteran, Yuki Tsunoda. Tsunoda, who was dropped from a full-time F1 seat at the end of 2025 after a difficult campaign with Red Bull, has remained within the Red Bull family as a reserve driver. His prior experience, including four seasons with Racing Bulls and a career-best fourth-place finish during his rookie season, makes him a logical choice to fill the void.
This unexpected turn of events sets the stage for an intriguing Dutch Grand Prix. All eyes will be on Liam Lawson as he steps back into the Red Bull cockpit, eager to demonstrate his growth and solidify his position within the Red Bull driver pool. Meanwhile, Yuki Tsunoda’s return to Racing Bulls offers him an unexpected opportunity to showcase his enduring capabilities on the F1 stage. The race weekend promises to be a test of adaptability and resilience for both drivers and their respective teams.
