Yuki Tsunoda returns to Racing Bulls for Dutch GP as Isack Hadjar withdraws through injury

Yuki Tsunoda is set to return to the Formula 1 grid at the Dutch Grand Prix, stepping in for Racing Bulls after Isack Hadjar withdrew from the Zandvoort weekend due to a wrist injury. The Japanese driver will partner Arvid Lindblad, while Liam Lawson moves up to Red Bull to replace the sidelined Hadjar.

Why it matters:

This marks Tsunoda's first competitive outing of the 2026 season since being demoted to a reserve driver role for both Red Bull and Racing Bulls. After struggling to match Max Verstappen at the senior team and losing his seat, this unexpected opportunity gives Tsunoda a rare chance to prove his worth in familiar machinery. With Red Bull constantly evaluating its driver options, a strong weekend at Zandvoort could help him rebuild his reputation and remind the paddock of his raw pace.

The details:

• Hadjar was ruled out of the Dutch GP on Wednesday after sustaining a wrist injury, forcing Red Bull to reshuffle its driver lineup at short notice.
• Lawson has been promoted from Racing Bulls to the senior Red Bull seat, leaving Tsunoda to fill the vacancy alongside rookie Arvid Lindblad.
• Tsunoda previously made 92 starts for the team between 2021 and 2025, having been demoted to reserve duties for the 2026 season after failing to match Verstappen's benchmark.
• In a social media post, Tsunoda wrote that he was "happy to get back behind the wheel" and wished Hadjar a "speedy recovery."
• Racing Bulls praised both Lawson and Tsunoda for their "adaptability" as they prepare to step into unfamiliar machinery with minimal preparation time.

What's next:

All eyes will be on Tsunoda this weekend as he looks to capitalize on his surprise return to the cockpit. With his F1 future hanging in the balance after a difficult 2025 stint at Red Bull, a standout performance at Zandvoort could reignite speculation about his prospects and potentially shake up the conversation around the Red Bull junior program's driver hierarchy for next season.