Red Bull Racing is preparing for the possibility that Isack Hadjar may miss the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix due to a wrist injury. The young driver reportedly sustained the injury during a gym session ahead of the race weekend at Zandvoort, prompting the team to consider contingency plans for the event.
While no official decision has been made, Red Bull has outlined a replacement strategy that would see reserve driver Liam Lawson stepping up to race alongside Max Verstappen if Hadjar is unable to compete. In this scenario, Yuki Tsunoda, who serves as reserve driver for both Red Bull Racing and its sister team Racing Bulls, would take Lawson’s seat at Racing Bulls. This reshuffle reflects the team’s readiness to adapt quickly depending on Hadjar’s recovery status.
The team’s priority remains Hadjar’s health, with hopes that he will be fit to return for the following race at Monza. Hadjar recently unveiled a special helmet design for the Dutch Grand Prix, commemorating his first podium finish at Zandvoort last year, which adds a personal significance to the event for the driver.
Liam Lawson last raced for Red Bull Racing at the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix and is currently ninth in the championship standings. His potential return to the senior team would mark a significant opportunity to rejoin the Formula 1® grid at a high-profile event. Meanwhile, Tsunoda’s involvement at Racing Bulls would maintain continuity within Red Bull’s driver development structure. Tsunoda is also linked with a possible move to IndyCar in 2027, highlighting the evolving nature of his racing career.
Max Verstappen, who will be racing at his home Grand Prix, could therefore see a different teammate on the grid if Hadjar’s injury prevents him from participating. Red Bull’s team principal Laurent Mekies and the wider team have so far declined to comment on the situation, emphasizing that no final call has been made regarding the driver lineup for Zandvoort.
The situation underscores the challenges teams face in managing driver fitness and readiness during the demanding Formula 1® season. Hadjar’s injury, while not officially detailed in terms of severity or recovery timeline, has prompted Red Bull to activate a well-structured backup plan to ensure competitive stability.
As the Dutch Grand Prix weekend unfolds, the focus will remain on Hadjar’s condition and the team’s eventual decision. The arrangement also highlights the strategic role of reserve drivers within top teams, ready to step in when circumstances require. Red Bull’s approach reflects a balance between supporting Hadjar’s recovery and maintaining strong performance prospects at one of the season’s notable races.