Hadjar Hopeful for Italian GP Return After Wrist Injury Sidelines Him at Zandvoort

Isack Hadjar is hopeful of returning for the Italian Grand Prix after a wrist injury sustained during summer break training forced him to miss the Dutch Grand Prix. The Red Bull rookie suffered a small crack in a wrist bone while boxing, prompting the team to recall Liam Lawson to the senior squad while Yuki Tsunoda steps into a Racing Bulls seat for the Zandvoort Sprint weekend.

Why it matters:

Hadjar's absence triggers a rare mid-season Red Bull driver shuffle, giving Lawson an unexpected second shot in senior machinery and Tsunoda a chance to prove his worth amid a shrinking 2027 driver market. With seats vanishing after recent extensions for Verstappen, Sainz, and Albon, every lap matters for drivers on the bubble. The incident also underscores how routine off-track training can carry immediate consequences for F1 lineups.

The details:

• Injury: Hadjar suffered the fracture late last week. After consulting Red Bull medical staff, the team opted to sideline him for Zandvoort to prioritize healing before Monza.
• Lawson's return: Lawson becomes the first driver to race for Red Bull after being dropped by the team. He has scored eight points finishes this season and sits ninth in the Drivers' Championship.
• Tsunoda's call-up: Tsunoda was on holiday in Greece when notified on Tuesday. He joins Racing Bulls alongside Arvid Lindblad and feels physically ready despite months on the sidelines.

What's next:

Hadjar is at Zandvoort supporting Lawson and aims to reclaim his seat for the Italian GP on September 4-6. If his recovery stays on track, Lawson and Tsunoda will return to their previous roles, though strong performances from either substitute could complicate Red Bull's long-term driver planning.