Liam Lawson replaces injured Isack Hadjar at Red Bull, joining F1's recent injury substitution history

Liam Lawson is set to make an unexpected return to Red Bull this weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix, stepping in for Isack Hadjar after the French driver suffered a wrist injury during a gym session last week. Following an impressive first half of the season, the New Zealander now marks the latest entry in a short history of medically forced driver changes in modern Formula 1, a list that features world champions and sudden opportunities.

Why it matters:

Injury substitutions remain one of the most disruptive variables in the sport, instantly altering team strategy while offering drivers an unexpected shot at redemption. For Lawson, the call-up is a second chance to impress at the senior Red Bull squad, while Hadjar's absence comes at a critical juncture where every session counts toward the 2026 championship fight.

The details:

• Déjà vu at Zandvoort: Lawson's promotion mirrors his 2023 debut, when he replaced Daniel Ricciardo at this same circuit after the Australian broke his hand and wrist in a practice crash.
• Hadjar's injury: The Frenchman was ruled out after sustaining a wrist injury while training in the gym, forcing Red Bull to find a medically cleared substitute days before the race.
• COVID-19 led the way: Of the last 10 injury substitutions in F1, five were triggered by positive COVID-19 diagnoses, including world champions Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel.
• Other causes: Two substitutions were caused by appendicitis, while the remaining three were accounted for by burns, illness, and Ricciardo's 2023 hand and wrist trauma.
• Grid shakeup: Lawson's elevation to Red Bull triggers a wider driver reshuffle, with Yuki Tsunoda and Arvid Lindblad also moving into new roles for the Dutch GP weekend.

What's next:

Hadjar must be declared medically fit before reclaiming his seat, putting pressure on the Frenchman to recover quickly during a packed summer stretch. Lawson faces a high-stakes audition at Zandvoort, the same venue where he debuted under nearly identical circumstances in 2023. His performance could influence Red Bull's driver plans for the remainder of the season, particularly as the team evaluates its long-term lineup heading into the final phase of 2026.