Red Bull confirms Lawson replacement for injured Hadjar ahead of Dutch GP
The team provided limited detail on the mechanism of the injury sustained during the summer shutdown, marking a sudden reshuffle in the driver lineup for the upcoming race in Zandvoort.
Red Bull Racing has confirmed that French driver Isack Hadjar will miss the Dutch Grand Prix due to a wrist injury sustained during the recent summer shutdown. The team announced the driver change on Wednesday, stating that Liam Lawson will step in to partner Max Verstappen for the event.
The announcement follows the Hungarian Grand Prix, which took place in late July 2026. While the team confirmed Hadjar’s absence, it did not provide specific details regarding the mechanism or severity of the wrist injury. The duration of Hadjar’s absence beyond the Dutch Grand Prix also remains unconfirmed.
Lawson, a New Zealand driver, returns to the race seat with the Red Bull team, replacing Hadjar who had been competing in the Frenchman’s role. The reshuffle comes as the team prepares for the next round of the Formula One calendar, with Verstappen continuing as the team’s lead driver.
Red Bull’s statement focused on the operational change rather than the medical specifics of the injury. The team has not yet released further updates on Hadjar’s recovery timeline or whether the injury affects his availability for subsequent races.
The change in driver lineup places immediate pressure on the team’s strategy for the Dutch Grand Prix, with Lawson taking over the responsibilities previously held by Hadjar. The team’s decision to make the change public on Wednesday allows for the final preparations for the race weekend to proceed with the confirmed lineup.
