New Zealand driver Liam Lawson is reportedly set for a return to Red Bull Racing as an injury replacement for the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort. This potential call-up would see Lawson step in for French-Algerian driver Isack Hadjar, who is understood to be in doubt for the race due to a wrist injury sustained during Formula 1‘s summer break. While a final decision on Hadjar’s participation has not yet been made, his absence is considered a likely outcome.
Should Lawson return to Red Bull Racing, it would mark a significant opportunity for the driver, who was previously demoted from the team in early 2025 after competing in only two races. This potential return comes as Lawson is currently without a confirmed race seat for the 2027 season. The change is expected to be confirmed later tonight by Red Bull Racing.
Lawson’s potential re-entry into the top team would see him race alongside four-time world champion Max Verstappen at what will be Verstappen’s final home race at Zandvoort. The Dutch Grand Prix is scheduled to take place on Monday, 1am NZT.
Lawson’s season and past call-ups
Lawson has had a strong 2026 season with Racing Bulls, entering Formula 1‘s summer break ninth in the driver’s championship with 43 points. This position makes him the highest-ranked driver outside of the sport’s top four teams. His performance this season with Racing Bulls has put him in contention for this unexpected return to Red Bull Racing.
Interestingly, this would not be Lawson’s first injury-related call-up at the Dutch Grand Prix. His Formula 1 racing career began three years ago with a similar situation when then-AlphaTauri driver Daniel Ricciardo sustained a hand injury during a practice crash. This history adds a layer of irony to the current circumstances.
The potential shuffle would also involve Yuki Tsunoda, who is currently serving as Red Bull‘s reserve driver. Tsunoda is expected to return to Racing Bulls to partner with Lawson’s teammate, Lindblad, for the upcoming weekend. Tsunoda previously made 89 starts for Racing Bulls before his own brief promotion to Red Bull Racing last year, where he replaced Lawson.
Tsunoda has not yet secured an Formula 1 race seat since losing his Red Bull Racing drive at the end of last year. He has recently been linked with a potential move to IndyCar, possibly replacing Indianapolis 500 winner Felix Rosenqvist, as Rosenqvist is set to return to McLaren‘s IndyCar team for 2027.
Impact of Hadjar’s injury and Zandvoort’s future
Isack Hadjar‘s potential absence from the Dutch Grand Prix is a significant development. Zandvoort was the venue for Hadjar’s first Formula 1 podium last year, and he has been performing well in the 2026 season. There had been indications that he would be retained in Red Bull‘s main team for 2027. If Hadjar is unable to compete at Zandvoort, he would have two weeks to recover before the next race at Monza.
The Dutch Grand Prix itself is reaching a notable milestone this year, as Circuit Zandvoort is hosting its last Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix race weekend. The private promoters of the course, including Circuit Zandvoort, TIG Sports, and SportVibes, have decided to exit the Formula 1 circuit after Sunday’s race.
The Dutch Grand Prix will conclude on Monday, 1am NZT.
Source: 1news.co.nz
