Hadjar’s Wrist Injury Triggers Driver Shuffle at Dutch Grand Prix

Red Bull Racing announced that Isack Hadjar will miss the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix at Circuit Zandvoort after sustaining a wrist injury during the summer break. The team promoted Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson to replace Hadjar alongside four-time world champion Max Verstappen. Reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda will take Lawson’s seat at Racing Bulls for the weekend.

Red Bull confirms Isack Hadjar replacement in Dutch GP announcement Isack Hadjar to miss F1 Dutch GP, Red Bull replacement confirmed Red Bull confirms Lawson as Hadjar injury replacement Red Bull confirm Isack Hadjar replacement for Dutch Grand Prix Lawson Confirmed as Hadjar Replacement as Tsunoda Returns at Racing Bulls for Dutch GP Hadjar confirmed out of Dutch GP with wrist injury as Lawson returns to Red Bull New York Times

Hadjar, the 21-year-old French-Algerian who moved up to Red Bull’s senior squad for 2026, entered the season eighth in the drivers’ championship with 68 points, while Verstappen sat sixth with 109 points. The Dutch Grand Prix is Verstappen’s final home race and the last Dutch round on the calendar. Red Bull’s first half of 2026 has been challenging, with Verstappen yet to win a race and the team seeking stability ahead of the second half of the championship.

BBC NewsGB NewsIsack Hadjar set to miss Dutch Grand Prix through injury Roster Changes for Red Bull Teams Following Hadjar's Injury Red Bull star Isack Hadjar set to MISS Dutch Grand Prix as injury forces F1 driver changes Red Bull forced into sudden driver change as Isack Hadjar ruled out of Zandvoort

• August 19 – Media outlets reported that Hadjar suffered a wrist injury during the summer break.

Hadjar confirmed out of Dutch GP with wrist injury as Lawson returns to Red Bull

• August 21 – Red Bull and Racing Bulls released brief statements confirming the driver change and wishing Hadjar a speedy recovery.

Red Bull confirms Lawson as Hadjar injury replacement

• August 23 – The Dutch Grand Prix weekend (practice, sprint qualifying, sprint race and Grand Prix) is set to take place at Zandvoort.

Liam Lawson confirmed to replace Hadjar at Dutch Grand Prix

• Hadjar: 8th in the drivers’ standings, 68 points.

Isack Hadjar to miss the 2026 Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix?

• Lawson: 9th, 43 points, has scored points in all but three of the first 11 races.

The New Zealand Herald

• Tsunoda: 26-year-old reserve driver, 111 Grand Prix starts, finished third at Zandvoort in 2025.

Isack Hadjar injured! Liam Lawson steps in, Tsunoda makes F1 comeback

• Racing Bulls sit fifth in the constructors’ championship, with Lawson and rookie Arvid Lindblad contributing the bulk of the points.

The New Zealand Herald

The team did not disclose how the injury occurred.

Isack Hadjar injured! Liam Lawson steps in, Tsunoda makes F1 comeback

Racing Bulls issued a statement: “Visa Cash App Racing Bulls can confirm that Liam Lawson will race for Oracle Red Bull Racing at the Dutch Grand Prix this weekend due to Isack Hadjar’s wrist injury. As a result, reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda will race for Racing Bulls in Zandvoort alongside Arvid Lindblad. We thank both Liam and Yuki for their adaptability and wish Isack a speedy recovery.”

Red Bull confirms Isack Hadjar replacement in Dutch GP announcement Red Bull confirms Lawson as Hadjar injury replacement Isack Hadjar to miss F1 Dutch GP, Red Bull replacement confirmed Lawson Confirmed as Hadjar Replacement as Tsunoda Returns at Racing Bulls for Dutch GP New York TimesChannel News Asia - CNAThe Hindu

• “We thank both Liam and Yuki for their adaptability as the teams prepare for the weekend and we wish Isack a speedy recovery.” — Wednesday

New York Times

Sources differ on the precise circumstances of Hadjar’s injury. The BBC described the injury as occurring while “boxing” during the break, whereas *De Telegraaf* reported a “gym session.” Red Bull’s statement omitted any detail, leaving the exact cause unconfirmed. No official medical assessment has been released, and the duration of Hadjar’s absence beyond Zandvoort remains unknown.

Red Bull forced into sudden driver change as Isack Hadjar ruled out of Zandvoort

The reshuffle gives Lawson a rare chance to race alongside Verstappen, potentially influencing his 2027 contract negotiations. For Tsunoda, the return to the grid offers a platform to showcase his form after a year as a reserve driver. Red Bull’s ability to field a competitive line-up despite the sudden change will be crucial as the championship enters its decisive phase, with points at Zandvoort needed to close the gap in the constructors’ battle while Verstappen seeks his first win of the season.

Report links Lawson to surprise Red Bull return