Isack Hadjar will be absent from the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza as a result of a lingering wrist injury that has not yet healed sufficiently for him to compete. The French driver, who has been a regular fixture in Red Bull’s second seat, sustained the problem while taking part in a boxing session during the summer break last month. The injury forced him to sit out the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, and despite an intensive rehabilitation programme, the medical team has advised that he miss another race before returning to full fitness. As a consequence, Liam Lawson will step into the Red Bull car for a second straight weekend, partnering Max Verstappen once again.
The circumstances surrounding Hadjar’s injury began in late July when the 21‑year‑old decided to incorporate boxing into his off‑season conditioning routine. A mis‑timed punch caused a strain to the wrist joint, leading to swelling and reduced mobility. After an initial assessment, Red Bull’s medical staff placed him on a precautionary rest period, which meant he was unable to travel to the Netherlands for the Zandvoort event.
Although he made some progress in the weeks that followed, the recovery timeline proved longer than anticipated. By the time the team convened on Wednesday afternoon to review his status, the consensus was that a further week of rest was essential to avoid aggravating the injury and risking a longer‑term setback. Red Bull issued an official statement confirming the decision: “Liam will drive alongside Max at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, while Isack continues to make encouraging progress following the wrist injury sustained during the summer break.
The team is closely monitoring his rehabilitation and will take no unnecessary risks with his return to competition and wishes him a speedy recovery.” The team’s cautious approach reflects a broader philosophy within Formula 1 that prioritises driver health over short‑term performance gains. Lawson’s promotion to the senior seat provides him with a valuable platform to showcase his abilities. At Zandvoort, he qualified just one tenth of a second behind Verstappen and finished the race in seventh place – a marked improvement over his earlier outings for Red Bull at the start of the 2025 season, when he was replaced after a string of modest results.
This strong showing has reinforced the team’s confidence in his capacity to handle the pressure of a front‑running car, especially on a high‑speed circuit like Monza where aerodynamic efficiency and tyre management are critical. Meanwhile, Yuki Tsunoda will continue his role at the Racing Bulls (Red Bull’s sister team) and will have another opportunity to impress the senior outfit’s management. In the Dutch Grand Prix, Tsunoda finished just outside the points but out‑performed full‑time driver Arvid Lindblad, indicating that he is making steady progress and could be a viable candidate for future promotion should any further vacancies arise.
In the Drivers' Championship, Hadjar currently sits eighth, a respectable position for a 21‑year‑old who has only been in the sport for a few seasons. Team principal Laurent Mekies has repeatedly highlighted Hadjar’s rapid development, noting that he has been Max Verstappen’s closest teammate in terms of pace and feedback over the past few years. The Frenchman’s performances have therefore been closely watched, and while Red Bull has not yet confirmed whether he will retain his seat beyond the 2027 season, his track record suggests that a continuation is likely if he can maintain his form and stay injury‑free. The Italian Grand Prix weekend will be packed with supporting categories and extensive broadcast coverage.
The schedule includes F3 and F2 practice sessions, qualifying rounds, sprint races, and the main Formula 1 event, all of which will be streamed live on Sky Sports F1 and the NOW platform. Fans can also look forward to a series of press conferences, including a drivers’ press conference on Thursday, September 3 at 1 p.m., and a team bosses’ press conference on Friday, September 4 at 5:20 p.m. The race itself is slated to start at 2 p.m.
on Sunday, September 6, with post‑race analysis and reaction segments scheduled for later in the afternoon. Monza, often referred to as the “Temple of Speed,” is Ferrari’s home circuit and traditionally produces thrilling, high‑octane racing. The track’s long straights and sweeping corners place a premium on low‑drag aerodynamic setups and engine power, making it a favorite among fans and drivers alike.
While Red Bull will be looking to secure another victory with Verstappen at the wheel, the team will also be keen to evaluate Lawson’s performance under race conditions, assessing his ability to manage tyre wear, execute overtakes, and maintain consistent lap times over the 53‑lap distance. Hadjar’s absence will be felt in the team’s data collection and development work.
As a regular test driver, he contributes valuable feedback on new parts and set‑up changes, particularly in the context of Red Bull’s ongoing aerodynamic upgrades for the 2025 season. The medical team’s recommendation to keep him out of the Monza race is therefore not only a protective measure for his health but also a strategic decision to ensure that when he does return—targeted for the next round in Madrid—he can perform at his peak without lingering doubts about his physical condition. Looking ahead, the next race in Madrid will serve as a critical checkpoint for Hadjar’s rehabilitation. If his wrist has regained sufficient strength and flexibility, Red Bull hopes to see him back in the cockpit, ready to contribute to the team’s championship campaign.
Until then, Lawson will continue to gain experience, and Tsunoda will aim to capitalize on his recent momentum at the Racing Bulls. For viewers, the Italian Grand Prix will be available across multiple platforms, including live streaming on Sky Sports and the NOW service, which offers a contract‑free option that can be cancelled at any time. The broadcast will feature in‑depth analysis, on‑track commentary, and a range of interactive features to enhance the viewing experience. Fans are encouraged to use the Chrome browser for optimal video playback, as recommended by the streaming provider.
In summary, Isack Hadjar’s wrist injury, sustained during a summer boxing session, has forced him to miss the Italian Grand Prix, extending his recovery period beyond the Dutch round. Liam Lawson will fill the vacant seat for a second consecutive weekend, while Yuki Tsunoda will continue his campaign with the Racing Bulls. Red Bull remains cautious but optimistic about Hadjar’s return, targeting the next race in Madrid as his comeback opportunity. The Monza weekend promises a full slate of racing action, support series, and comprehensive coverage for fans worldwide.