Isack Hadjar remains confident that he will be back behind the wheel for the upcoming Formula 1 round after a wrist problem forced him to sit out the Dutch Grand Prix weekend. The French rookie sustained the injury while taking part in a boxing session during the summer break earlier this month. As a result, he was replaced for the Zandvoort event by Liam Lawson, who makes history as the first driver to re‑appear for Red Bull after being dropped by the team earlier in the season. Lawson's temporary seat at Red Bull means that Yuki Tsunoda will step into Lawson's place at the Racing Bulls outfit, joining regular driver Arvid Lindblad for the sprint weekend.
According to Sky Sports News, Hadjar suffered a minor fracture—a small crack in one of the wrist bones—late last week during a routine workout. After consulting with Red Bull's medical personnel, the decision was taken to skip the sprint races at Zandvoort, giving the young driver extra time to heal before the next fixture at Monza.
Despite not racing, Hadjar was present at the Zandvoort circuit this weekend to cheer on Lawson and to keep a close eye on the team's performance. He expressed optimism about making a comeback at the Italian Grand Prix, scheduled for 4‑6 September, once his wrist has recovered sufficiently. Lawson, who was let go by Red Bull after two under‑whelming outings last year, managed to retain his seat by delivering solid results for Racing Bulls during the latter part of the 2025 season. The 24‑year‑old has emerged as one of the midfield's most consistent performers this year, chalking up eight points‑scoring finishes and currently sitting ninth in the Drivers' Championship—only behind the full‑factory entries from Mercedes, McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull.
"I've had a lot more races since being dropped from Red Bull and I feel far more comfortable in this sport now," Lawson said. "It will be a very challenging sprint weekend, but we are focused on learning quickly.
The simulator work has helped us compress the learning curve, and the faster we can adapt, the better our chances this weekend." Tsunoda, who has been watching from the sidelines, sees the opportunity as a chance to showcase his talent and potentially secure a race seat for the 2027 season, even though his prospects appear limited after Red Bull confirmed Verstappen's contract extension and Williams re‑signed both Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon. The Japanese driver revealed that he was on holiday in Greece when he received the call on Tuesday to prepare for a race with Racing Bulls.
"When I got the call I felt half excited and half doubtful because anything can happen, but I was also thrilled," Tsunoda explained. "It was confirmed that I would be racing this weekend. I'm physically ready – I've done a couple of TPCs (Testing of Previous Cars).
It will be my first time in this specific car, but I'm very eager to get behind the wheel." He added, "As far as I understand, I'm in the seat for this weekend, depending on Isack's recovery. I hope his healing goes quickly.
I'm not sure about the next Grand Prix, but my goal is simply to have fun and give my 100 per cent. I've been waiting a long time, watching the screens for months. Since the season began, I've been desperate to compete, and now I will enjoy the moment and aim for good results." The weekend schedule at Zandvoort is packed with action. On Saturday, August 22, the day begins with the F1 Academy qualifying at 8:15 am, followed by build‑up sessions for the Dutch GP Sprint at 10:00 am.
The sprint itself kicks off at 11:00 am, with the F1 Academy Race 1 at 1:30 pm, and later the Dutch GP qualifying build‑up at 2:20 pm, leading into the official qualifying session at 3:00 pm. The afternoon also features a Porsche Supercup Race 1 at 5:00 pm.
Sunday, August 23, continues with the second F1 Academy race at 9:35 am, a second Porsche Supercup race at 10:50 am, and the Grand Prix build‑up at 12:30 pm. The main event, the Dutch Grand Prix, starts at 2:00 pm, with the chequered flag and post‑race reaction slated for 4:00 pm. All sessions are broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming available via NOW without a long‑term contract. Hadjar's recovery timeline will be closely monitored by the Red Bull medical team.
Wrist fractures, even minor ones, can take several weeks to fully mend, especially for a driver who relies on precise hand‑eye coordination and the ability to apply consistent pressure on the steering wheel. Rehabilitation typically involves physiotherapy, gradual strength training, and regular imaging to ensure the bone is healing correctly.
If Hadjar follows the prescribed program and avoids setbacks, a return at Monza—a circuit known for its high‑speed straights and heavy braking zones—could be realistic. Monza presents its own challenges: the combination of long straights and tight chicanes demands both aerodynamic efficiency and mechanical grip. A fully recovered wrist will be essential for the rapid steering inputs required in the Variante della Roggia and the Ascari chicane. Moreover, the Italian fans are renowned for their passionate support, and a home‑grown driver like Hadjar—who has quickly become a fan favourite—would add extra excitement to the atmosphere.
In the meantime, Lawson will aim to capitalize on his chance, hoping to secure a permanent seat by delivering a strong performance in the sprint and the main race. Tsunoda, on the other hand, will look to impress the Racing Bulls hierarchy and demonstrate that he can adapt quickly to a new car under pressure. Both drivers understand that every lap counts, not only for points but also for future career prospects.
Overall, the Dutch Grand Prix weekend serves as a pivotal moment for several drivers: Hadjar's recovery will be watched closely, Lawson will fight to prove his worth, and Tsunoda will seize the opportunity to make his mark. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports, with streaming options available through NOW, ensuring that the excitement of Formula 1 reaches a global audience.