Isack Hadjar will miss this weekend's Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort after sustaining a wrist injury during a gym session last week. The decision was made after several parties, including seven-time MotoGP champion Marc Marquez, advised the young French driver not to push himself.
According to Racing Bulls CEO Peter Bayer, the team was informed on Friday of a potential driver change, with the situation developing further on Tuesday. Yuki Tsunoda was called up to replace Hadjar, while Liam Lawson was handed another opportunity at Red Bull following his demotion after the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix.
Hadjar, who claimed his maiden F1 podium at Zandvoort last year, is understandably frustrated. However, he still made an appearance in the paddock on Friday morning. The 20-year-old had planned a special helmet design for this weekend, inspired by Delft blue pottery and his broken trophy from last year.
The decision to withdraw did not come solely from Red Bull. Laurent Mekies, head of Racing Bulls, confirmed that the team did not want to take any risks with a driver who has performed impressively this season. "Isack is alright. We have no reason to take any risk with him. He has done a fantastic start of the season, stronger every session," Mekies told the official F1 website.
Advice to skip Zandvoort also came from a surprising source: Marc Marquez. The duo share the same physiotherapist, Carlos J. Garcia. Hadjar called Marquez after the injury, and the Ducati rider advised him not to rush his return. Marquez, currently fourth in the MotoGP standings, also urged Hadjar not to rush into certain medical procedures, given that the Frenchman is still young and has a long F1 career ahead.
Marquez's own experience with injuries is extensive. The MotoGP icon has undergone numerous surgeries and lengthy rehabilitation throughout his career. His advice to Hadjar aligns with Red Bull's approach of prioritizing full recovery over unnecessary risk.
With Hadjar sidelined, Tsunoda will race for Racing Bulls at Zandvoort, while Lawson returns to the Red Bull seat. This situation tests both drivers' ability to prove themselves under pressure.
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