Lawson to Replace Hadjar at Red Bull in Zandvoort?

Unconfirmed reports suggest Liam Lawson is poised for a surprise return to the Red Bull team for this weekend's Dutch Grand Prix, as primary driver Isack Hadjar is reportedly suffering from a wrist injury.

Dutch publication "De Telegraaf" reported that Hadjar is unlikely to compete at Zandvoort after sustaining the injury during a gym workout in preparation for the event.

While a final decision on the Frenchman's participation is still pending, Lawson is believed to be on standby to replace him should doctors deem Hadjar unfit for the race weekend.

This would mark an unexpected comeback to Red Bull for the New Zealander, less than 18 months after his brief stint alongside Max Verstappen abruptly ended.

Lawson began the 2025 season with Red Bull after being promoted from their junior team, but was released after just two races and sent back to Racing Bulls.

Yuki Tsunoda moved in the opposite direction, spending the remainder of the season alongside Verstappen, before losing his seat to Hadjar for 2026.

"De Telegraaf" also indicates that Tsunoda is expected to return to Racing Bulls if Lawson takes Hadjar's place.

Tsunoda has remained part of the Red Bull family as a reserve driver this season and would therefore be available to fill the void left by Lawson's potential move.

Red Bull has yet to confirm Hadjar's absence from the race, nor the subsequent changes involving Lawson and Tsunoda.

The alleged injury comes at an unfortunate time for Hadjar, who has enjoyed an impressive first season with Red Bull and is expected to remain alongside Verstappen through 2027.

The 21-year-old has strong memories of Zandvoort, having achieved a surprise podium at the track last season in his maiden Formula 1 appearance there.

For Lawson, a potential return to Red Bull would come amidst a strong 2026 campaign with Racing Bulls.

Ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, the New Zealander sits ninth in the drivers' championship and has rebuilt his reputation within the Red Bull system after the disappointment of his short-lived promotion last year.

Zandvoort would also provide a fitting stage for another unexpected chapter in Lawson's Formula 1 career.

It was at this very circuit in 2023 that Lawson made his Grand Prix debut, after Daniel Ricciardo crashed during practice and broke his wrist.

Lawson was then called up to the then-AlphaTauri team at the last minute and remained in the car for five races while Ricciardo recovered. This substitute period ultimately helped establish him as a contender for a permanent Formula 1 seat.

Three years later, another wrist injury could present Lawson with an equally sudden opportunity, this time once again alongside Verstappen at Red Bull.