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Isack Hadjar could miss Formula 1’s Dutch Grand Prix after reportedly suffering a wrist injury during the summer break, potentially forcing a dramatic change to Red Bull’s driver line-up.
According to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, Hadjar sustained the injury during a gym session. His participation at Zandvoort is now considered a major doubt, although no final decision has been made. The report indicates that Hadjar being sidelined is currently the most likely outcome.
The timing would be particularly significant for Hadjar. Zandvoort was the setting for his first Formula 1 podium last year, while his performances across the 2026 season had strengthened the expectation that he would be retained by Red Bull Racing’s main team for 2027. His possible absence would therefore remove one of the weekend’s key sporting storylines before the car has even taken to the track.
If Hadjar is ruled out, Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson is expected to step into the Red Bull Racing seat. It would represent a surprise return for Lawson, who lasted only two races with the senior team before being demoted at the start of 2025.
There is an added irony to the situation. Lawson’s Formula 1 racing career began with a Dutch Grand Prix call-up three years ago, when then-AlphaTauri driver Daniel Ricciardo broke his hand in a practice crash. A return to the same event, this time through Hadjar’s injury, would create another unexpected chapter in his F1 career.
Lawson’s move would also set off a second change. Yuki Tsunoda, currently Racing Bulls’ reserve driver, would take Lawson’s place and return to an F1 race seat. Tsunoda made 89 starts for the team before his own short-lived promotion to Red Bull Racing last year, replacing Lawson.
Tsunoda has so far been unable to secure another race drive since losing his Red Bull seat at the end of last year. His immediate F1 future has also been under scrutiny, with the driver linked this week to a possible 2027 IndyCar move in place of Felix Rosenqvist, who is set to return to McLaren’s IndyCar team for 2027.
For the latest context around the event, see our 2026 Dutch Grand Prix schedule and Sprint format guide. If Hadjar misses Zandvoort, he would have two weeks to recover before the following race at Monza.
He’s a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.