Red Bull Racing has confirmed that Liam Lawson will continue to race alongside Max Verstappen at this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madring circuit. The announcement came on Monday, with Isack Hadjar still recovering from the wrist injury that has kept him out since the Dutch Grand Prix.
Hadjar, who injured his wrist during a training session in F1's summer break, is not yet ready to return to the cockpit. Despite his recovery progressing well, the Austrian team decided not to rush the 21-year-old Frenchman back into action. Red Bull confirmed that Hadjar will be present in Madrid to support the team from the garage.
This decision also impacts the driver lineup at Racing Bulls. Yuki Tsunoda will get a third consecutive weekend with the junior squad, this time partnering Arvid Lindblad in Lawson's regular seat. Tsunoda has been solid since returning to Racing Bulls at Zandvoort, finishing 11th before claiming 10th at Monza to score his first point of the 2026 season.
For Lawson, this confirmation removes the uncertainty that hung over him at Monza. The New Zealander admitted he was preparing for the possibility of driving either the Red Bull or Racing Bulls, depending on Hadjar's recovery. Now he gets a second straight chance to prove himself in the senior team.
Lawson's two appearances with Red Bull so far have been a mixed bag. On his return at Zandvoort, he impressed by reaching Q3 and finishing seventh. But at Monza, things did not go smoothly. He started from the pit lane after a power unit change, then made contact with Nico Hulkenberg that damaged his front wing and forced an unscheduled stop. Lawson eventually finished 14th.
Despite the setback, Lawson remains positive heading into the Spanish GP. The brand-new Madring circuit in Madrid will present a fresh challenge for all drivers, and Lawson is eager to bounce back with a performance more like his Zandvoort showing. With full team support, he hopes to deliver consistent results.
Red Bull has emphasized that the priority is ensuring Hadjar returns at 100 percent with zero risks for his future. Team principal Laurent Mekies had already hinted that Madrid might come too soon for the Frenchman. "We're evaluating his situation, but targeting Madrid is tricky," he told Canal+.
With Lawson given continued trust, the internal competition at Red Bull is heating up. Hadjar, still young, will be eager to return, while Lawson aims to make the most of every opportunity. The racing weekend in Madrid will be a proving ground for both, even if only one takes to the track.
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Isack Hadjar is ruled out of the Spanish GP due to a wrist injury. Liam Lawson continues as Red Bull substitute, Yuki Tsunoda stays at Racing Bulls.
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