Isack Hadjar’s Dutch GP Absence Explained as Red Bull Shake-Up Begins

Isack Hadjar will miss the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort after suffering a wrist injury during the Formula 1 summer break. The Racing Bulls driver has been ruled out of the weekend, with Liam Lawson stepping up to Red Bull to replace him.

The reshuffle means Lawson will partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull, while Yuki Tsunoda is expected to move into Lawson's Racing Bulls seat alongside rookie Arvid Lindblad.

Why is Isack Hadjar missing the Dutch GP?

Hadjar is missing the Dutch Grand Prix because of a wrist injury sustained during the final days of the F1 summer break.

The Frenchman had been enjoying an impressive first season with Red Bull and was expected to continue alongside Verstappen in 2027. However, the injury has ruled him out of the Zandvoort weekend.

The exact timeline for Hadjar's return remains unclear.

Who is replacing Isack Hadjar at the Dutch GP?

Liam Lawson will replace Hadjar at Red Bull for the Dutch Grand Prix.

The New Zealander will move up from Racing Bulls to take Hadjar's place alongside Verstappen, giving him another opportunity with the senior Red Bull team.

At Racing Bulls, Red Bull reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda is expected to replace Lawson and race alongside rookie Arvid Lindblad.

The changes mean the Red Bull driver line-up will look different from its usual arrangement for the Dutch GP.

Why is Liam Lawson replacing Hadjar?

Lawson's strong 2026 campaign makes him the natural choice for the Red Bull call-up.

The 24-year-old heads into the Dutch Grand Prix ninth in the drivers' championship with 43 points. He is currently the leading driver outside the sport's top four teams.

His performances, combined with Lindblad's 23 points, have helped Racing Bulls climb to fifth in the constructors' championship.

Lawson has also shown greater consistency and confidence during the first half of the 2026 season, rebuilding his reputation after a difficult first stint with Red Bull.

What happened to Liam Lawson at Red Bull?

This is not Lawson's first time racing for Red Bull.

He was promoted to the senior team for the opening two races of the 2025 season, but was sent back to Racing Bulls after the Australian Grand Prix.

Yuki Tsunoda subsequently took Lawson's place alongside Verstappen.

Lawson's return to Red Bull therefore gives him another chance to demonstrate that he can perform at the front of the Formula 1 grid.

Why is the Dutch GP significant for Liam Lawson?

Lawson has a particularly interesting connection with the Dutch Grand Prix.

Zandvoort was where he made his unexpected Formula 1 debut in 2023 after Daniel Ricciardo suffered a broken wrist during practice.

Lawson qualified 20th but finished 13th in difficult conditions, beginning a five-race substitute stint while Ricciardo recovered.

Three years later, another driver's wrist injury has once again opened the door for Lawson at Zandvoort.

This time, however, the stakes are considerably higher, as Lawson will race alongside Verstappen for Red Bull.

Who replaces Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls?

Yuki Tsunoda is expected to replace Lawson at Racing Bulls for the Dutch Grand Prix.

Tsunoda will partner 19-year-old rookie Arvid Lindblad, who has impressed during his first F1 campaign.

Lindblad and Lawson have also developed a strong competitive relationship at Racing Bulls, with the pair pushing each other throughout the season.

"We've pushed each other on a lot, and I think that's been good for both of us," Lindblad said.

The rookie believes the internal competition, combined with Racing Bulls' regular car upgrades, has helped the team improve its performance.

Will Isack Hadjar return to Red Bull?

Hadjar's return date has not been established, with his recovery from the wrist injury still determining when he can get back behind the wheel.

The Frenchman had been enjoying a strong first season with Red Bull and is expected to retain his place alongside Verstappen for 2027.

For now, Lawson will get another unexpected opportunity to prove himself at Red Bull, while Hadjar's absence creates one of the biggest talking points heading into the Dutch Grand Prix.