Liam Lawson, a New Zealander, is set to return to Red Bull for the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. This opportunity arises as he steps in for Isack Hadjar, who will miss the event due to a wrist injury sustained during the summer break. Lawson will be moving up from Racing Bulls, Red Bull’s sister team, to fill Hadjar’s position. In turn, Yuki Tsunoda will take Lawson’s place at Racing Bulls.
Hadjar’s injury, understood to be a broken wrist from boxing, was confirmed on Wednesday, leading to Lawson’s call-up. This marks Lawson’s first race with Red Bull since a brief two-round period with the team in 2025. Following those initial races, he was demoted back to Racing Bulls in a direct swap with Tsunoda.
Lawson’s perspective on the return
Speaking during Thursday’s media day in Zandvoort, Lawson described the situation as unexpected but a valuable opportunity. He noted that he has had a strong season so far in 2026 and is focused on continuing that momentum, despite the change in car. Lawson, who is 24, expressed feeling more comfortable racing in Formula 1 this time around, having accumulated more race experience.
Lawson acknowledged that the weekend would be challenging, particularly as it is a Sprint weekend, which necessitates a rapid learning process. He mentioned that preparation in the simulator had already begun to speed up this learning. He also shared how he learned of the opportunity, receiving a call from Alan Permane shortly after landing from a holiday on Monday, which quickly shifted his focus to Red Bull preparations.
Despite the differences between the cars, Lawson intends to learn as much as possible quickly. He emphasised the importance of preparation, stating that he feels he has done all he can. While acknowledging the inherent challenges, he also expressed a desire to enjoy the weekend, noting that Zandvoort is a track he has enjoyed racing at previously and that this will be the last time the event is held there.
Challenges and team dynamics
When asked about the biggest challenge, Lawson pointed to adapting to the new car and everything that comes with it. He described the prospect as both challenging and exciting, aiming to make the most of the practice sessions to learn. His target is to be as prepared as possible for Qualifying on Saturday, learning through the Sprint Qualifying and Sprint sessions.
Lawson dismissed any notion that his return to Red Bull felt like a personal victory after his previous demotion. He stated that the past situation felt like a long time ago and that the current circumstances are very different, being a one-week opportunity. He expressed gratitude for being chosen for this role and is focused on achieving a positive outcome from the weekend, despite the expected difficulties.
The first half of 2026 has been challenging for Red Bull, with Max Verstappen, a four-time world champion, yet to secure a race win. Verstappen’s best results this year include second-place finishes at the Austrian and Hungarian Grands Prix. He concluded the 2025 season just two points behind world champion Lando Norris of McLaren, following a strong second half of the season where he closed a gap of more than 100 points in the championship lead. This weekend’s event will be Verstappen’s final home grand prix at Zandvoort, as the circuit will be removed from the calendar after this season due to financial viability concerns for the organisers.
Lawson’s temporary promotion offers him another chance to demonstrate his capabilities after his initial two races for Red Bull in 2025 were described as lacklustre. He had originally been scheduled to race alongside Verstappen for the entirety of last year.
The Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort will see Lawson stepping into the Red Bull car, with Tsunoda filling his spot at Racing Bulls.
Source: formula1.com
