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Liam Lawson replaces injured Isack Hadjar for Dutch Grand Prix
Red Bull has confirmed that Liam Lawson will step into the seat alongside Max Verstappen at Zandvoort after Isack Hadjar was ruled out with a wrist injury.
By Nadia van Leeuwen - 2026-08-19T11:56:00.000Z - 3 min read
The driver lineup for this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort has undergone a sudden change. Red Bull has officially confirmed that Liam Lawson will take over the cockpit for the event, replacing Isack Hadjar. The move comes as a direct consequence of a wrist injury sustained by Hadjar, which has rendered him unfit to participate in the race weekend.
Initial concerns regarding Hadjar’s participation surfaced early Tuesday morning, with reports indicating that a wrist injury threatened to sideline the driver. While the team waited to assess the severity of the situation, the confirmation followed swiftly, ending any speculation about the composition of the Red Bull garage for the upcoming home race for championship leader Max Verstappen.
For Liam Lawson, this promotion serves as a high-stakes return to active duty. The New Zealander has maintained a position within the Red Bull fold and was identified as the primary candidate to step in should any of the team’s race drivers be unable to perform their duties. His familiarity with the team’s systems and current technical regulations makes him the logical choice for an immediate, short-notice replacement.
The physical nature of the Zandvoort circuit, known for its high-load banked corners and short, technical sections, places significant strain on a driver’s upper body. Steering inputs through the circuit's aggressive layout are demanding, necessitating a fully fit physical condition. It is clear that Hadjar’s injury made a safe return to the cockpit impossible for this specific event.
This roster adjustment adds a layer of unexpected intensity to the Dutch Grand Prix weekend. While the championship narrative continues to center on the title fight, the focus in the Red Bull garage now shifts toward integrating Lawson seamlessly into the weekend’s practice sessions. The team will have limited track time to ensure their temporary driver is comfortable with the current car settings before the clock starts for qualifying.
Hadjar, who has been a focal point of recent driver development discussions, will now shift his immediate attention toward medical recovery. The team has opted for the most cautious path, prioritizing long-term health over an attempt to race through discomfort. Consequently, Lawson enters the fray with a singular mission: to provide steady, points-scoring performance in a pressure-cooker environment.
As the paddock gathers in Zandvoort, the focus remains on the logistical task of adjusting to the last-minute change. With the Dutch home crowd expecting a strong performance from the team, the technical crew will work to calibrate the car to Lawson’s preferences within the tight window provided before the opening practice session on Friday.