Key Takeaways
- Advice from a Champion: Isack Hadjar sought counsel from six-time MotoGP World Champion Marc Márquez regarding whether to race through physical pain.
- Márquez’s Stance: The Spanish motorcycle star explicitly advised Hadjar against rushing his return to the track.
- Shared Physiotherapist: Both athletes work closely with renowned physiotherapist Carlos J. García, which facilitated the direct connection.
Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar sought guidance from eight-time MotoGP World Champion Marc Márquez on whether he should attempt to compete in this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix despite a wrist issue, according to a report by French broadcaster Canal+.
As revealed by journalist Julien Febreau during Canal+‘s live coverage from Circuit Zandvoort, Hadjar reached out to Márquez to gain perspective from the Spaniard’s extensive experience dealing with injuries and physical discomfort. The two athletes share physical trainer Carlos J. García, who has worked alongside Márquez for years while also assisting Hadjar through his junior career and current Formula 1 campaign.
“Marc Márquez was clear with Hadjar and advised him not to race this weekend under these physical conditions,” reported Julien Febreau.
Márquez, who has navigated multiple career-threatening injuries and recovery processes in motorcycle racing, warned Hadjar against taking unnecessary risks that could compromise his long-term health or subsequent races.
Despite heeding the advice to step out of the car, Hadjar still traveled to Zandvoort. The French driver remains on site with Red Bull throughout the weekend, supporting engineers and mechanics inside the garage.
Red Bull and Racing Bulls driver shuffle
To cover Hadjar’s absence, Red Bull officially called upon Liam Lawson to step into the RB22 alongside home hero Max Verstappen for the Dutch GP. Red Bull confirmed that Hadjar sustained the wrist injury during the summer shutdown—with reports citing a gym workout—preventing him from competing.
Consequently, Red Bull reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda stepped back onto the race grid. The Japanese driver fills the seat left vacant by Lawson at Racing Bulls, partnering British rookie Arvid Lindblad for the event at Zandvoort.
Formula 1 returns this weekend, from August 21 to 23, for the Dutch Grand Prix — the 12th round of the 2026 season. GRANDE PRÊMIO covers all the track action live from Zandvoort with reporter Leonid Kliuev. Follow all paddock updates on our news page.
Session schedule: Dutch Grand Prix 2026
| Session | Local time (CEST) | UTC |
| Free Practice 1 | Friday, August 21 – 12:30 | 10:30 |
| Sprint Qualifying | Friday, August 21 – 16:30 | 14:30 |
| Sprint Race | Saturday, August 22 – 12:00 | 10:00 |
| Qualifying | Saturday, August 22 – 16:00 | 14:00 |
| Race | Sunday, August 23 – 15:00 | 13:00 |
Broadcast guide: Where to watch in the United States
- United States (Eastern Time / ET)
- Broadcaster: Apple TV
- Free Practice 1: Friday, August 21 – 06:30 ET
- Sprint Qualifying: Friday, August 21 – 10:30 ET
- Sprint Race: Saturday, August 22 – 06:00 ET
- Qualifying: Saturday, August 22 – 10:00 ET
- Race: Sunday, August 23 – 09:00 ET
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1. How did Isack Hadjar injure his wrist?
Isack Hadjar sustained his wrist injury during a workout session during Formula 1’s summer shutdown.
2. Who is replacing Isack Hadjar at Red Bull for the Dutch GP?
Liam Lawson was promoted from Racing Bulls to replace Isack Hadjar in the Red Bull RB22 alongside Max Verstappen.
3. Why did Marc Márquez advise Hadjar against driving?
Drawing from his own extensive history with injury recoveries in MotoGP, Márquez recommended avoiding unnecessary physical risks that could cause longer-term complications.
