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Yuki Tsunoda will make his Formula 1 return for Racing Bulls at this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix, deputising for Liam Lawson after a late reshuffle triggered by Isack Hadjar’s wrist injury.
Hadjar is unable to compete, prompting Lawson to return to Red Bull Racing. Tsunoda, Racing Bulls’ reserve driver, will therefore take Lawson’s seat alongside Arvid Lindblad at Zandvoort.
The move follows the latest developments surrounding Hadjar’s Dutch Grand Prix injury, which opened the door for Lawson’s return to Red Bull and created the opportunity for Tsunoda to race again.
Tsunoda’s comeback carries an unusual sense of continuity. His last start for Racing Bulls came at the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix, after which he was promoted to Red Bull—ironically replacing Lawson at the time.
The Japanese driver subsequently lost his seat for 2026 to Hadjar but remained within the organisation as its third and reserve driver. His call-up now gives him a competitive return under circumstances that underline the importance of depth across Red Bull’s two-team structure.
For Racing Bulls, the priority is straightforward: adapt quickly to a driver change immediately before the Dutch Grand Prix weekend. Tsunoda already knows the team environment, while Lindblad will have a new teammate for the event.
Racing Bulls confirmed the switch in a statement: “Racing Bulls can confirm that Liam Lawson will race for Red Bull Racing at the Dutch Grand Prix this weekend due to Isack Hadjar’s wrist injury.”
The team added: “As a result of the driver change, Reserve Driver Yuki Tsunoda, will race for Racing Bulls in Zandvoort this weekend, alongside Arvid Lindblad.”
Racing Bulls also thanked Lawson and Tsunoda for their adaptability and wished Hadjar a speedy recovery.
Tsunoda’s return is therefore both an emergency measure and a significant opportunity. With Lawson moving up to Red Bull and Hadjar sidelined, the weekend will offer the Japanese driver a chance to demonstrate his readiness in a familiar Racing Bulls setting.
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.