Hadjar Set to Miss Dutch GP, Lawson in Line for Shock Red Bull Return

A surprise twist has emerged in the Red Bull camp ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix. Isack Hadjar is reportedly set to miss Zandvoort due to a wrist injury sustained during a gym session over the summer break. If confirmed, it opens the door for a shock return for Liam Lawson.

Dutch publication De Telegraaf claims the Frenchman suffered the injury during F1's summer hiatus, and it is likely to rule him out of this weekend's race. However, a final decision has not yet been made by Red Bull.

Should Hadjar be sidelined, Liam Lawson has been tipped to replace him and complete a stunning comeback to the senior team alongside Max Verstappen. Lawson was brutally demoted back to Racing Bulls just two races into the 2025 season, after being promoted to replace Sergio Perez over the winter.

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The situation also presents an unexpected reprieve for Yuki Tsunoda. The Japanese driver, who serves as Red Bull's reserve, would step in for Lawson at Racing Bulls for the Zandvoort weekend. Tsunoda has been out of F1 since making way for Hadjar at the end of last season, becoming the latest victim of Red Bull's ruthless driver shuffles.

Ironically, Zandvoort is where Lawson made his F1 debut in 2023, drafted as a last-minute substitute after Daniel Ricciardo broke his hand in practice. It is also the venue where Hadjar claimed his maiden F1 podium during an impressive rookie campaign that ultimately earned him the top drive at Red Bull.

If Hadjar misses this weekend, he would have two weeks to recover before the Italian Grand Prix at Monza on September 6. The situation adds another layer of drama to Red Bull's season, highlighting the intense pressure and unpredictability within the team's driver lineup.