Key takeaways
- Logical choice: Arvid Lindblad backed Red Bull’s decision to name Liam Lawson as Isack Hadjar’s replacement for the Dutch Grand Prix, describing the move as “logical” and less risky.
- Hadjar injury: Hadjar suffered a wrist injury during summer break training, forcing Red Bull to elevate Lawson to the RB22 while shifting Yuki Tsunoda into the second Racing Bulls seat alongside Lindblad.
- Focus on rookie campaign: The 19-year-old British rookie emphasized that he understands the team’s perspective, choosing to stay focused on maximizing his own race weekend at Zandvoort.
Arvid Lindblad expressed complete understanding regarding Red Bull’s decision to select Liam Lawson as Isack Hadjar’s replacement for this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix, round 12 of the 2026 season. Answering a question from GRANDE PRÊMIO during a press conference on Thursday (20), the 19-year-old British driver acknowledged that putting him in the RB22 would have presented a “higher risk” given his current status as an F1 rookie.
Hadjar, who drives car #6 alongside Max Verstappen, sustained a wrist injury during a summer break training session, ruling him out of the Zandvoort event. Consequently, the Milton Keynes squad promoted New Zealand’s Lawson to step in, while Yuki Tsunoda exited his reserve role to take over the second seat at Racing Bulls alongside Lindblad.
Asked by GRANDE PRÊMIO whether Red Bull provided an explanation for passing him over for the drive, Lindblad kept a pragmatic perspective.
“It’s my first time here in Zandvoort. It’s a Sprint weekend. I’m only halfway through my rookie season, so I think it was a more logical decision to go with Liam,” Lindblad explained.
“With me, it would have been a bit higher risk. Obviously, as a driver, I would have loved to have that opportunity. But at the same time, I completely understand why they made the choice they did. Now I’m fully focused on my own weekend and trying to do the best job I can,” he concluded.
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 |
| Qualifying (Sprint) | Friday, August 21 – 16:00 | 14:00 |
| Sprint Race | Saturday, August 22 – 11:30 | 09:30 |
| Qualifying | Saturday, August 22 – 15:00 | 13:00 |
| 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
- Qualifying (Sprint): Friday, August 21 – 10:00 ET
- Sprint Race: Saturday, August 22 – 05:30 ET
- Qualifying: Saturday, August 22 – 09:00 ET
- Race: Sunday, August 23 – 09:00 ET
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1. Why is Isack Hadjar missing the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix?
Isack Hadjar is sidelined after sustaining a wrist injury during a training exercise over the Formula 1 summer break.
2. Who is driving for Racing Bulls at Zandvoort?
Arvid Lindblad is driving alongside Yuki Tsunoda, who moved back into a race seat after Liam Lawson was promoted to Red Bull Racing.
3. Has Arvid Lindblad raced at Circuit Zandvoort in Formula 1 before?
No, the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix marks Arvid Lindblad’s first Formula 1 outing at the Zandvoort layout.
