Key takeaways
- Wednesday decision: Red Bull will decide on Wednesday (September 2) whether Isack Hadjar can return for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
- Lawson on standby: Liam Lawson will remain in the senior Red Bull seat alongside Max Verstappen if Hadjar is not cleared by medical staff.
- Márquez’s advice: Hadjar opted out of Zandvoort after consulting MotoGP champion Marc Márquez, who warned him against rushing back from an injury.
Red Bull will make a final decision this Wednesday, September 2, regarding Isack Hadjar’s availability for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
The French driver was forced to sit out the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort after sustaining a minor bone fracture in his left wrist during a boxing workout over the summer break. If medical evaluations determine Hadjar is not yet fit to compete, Red Bull will retain the driver lineup utilized in Zandvoort.
That arrangement saw Liam Lawson step up from Racing Bulls into the senior team alongside Max Verstappen, delivering a strong drive to finish 7th and secure vital points after Verstappen crashed out on opening lap. Meanwhile, reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda returned to Faenza to drive for Racing Bulls alongside rookie Arvid Lindblad, finishing just outside the points in 11th place.
Hadjar initially considered pushing through the pain at Zandvoort, but ultimately decided against it after seeking advice from eight-time MotoGP World Champion Marc Márquez. Having suffered a career-altering right arm fracture at the 2020 Spanish GP after attempting a hasty comeback, Márquez advised Hadjar that “missing one race does not change your life.”
Red Bull’s driver decision comes amidst a packed weekend of motorsport news, following Oliver Bearman facing a turning point with Ferrari ahead of Monza and Lando Norris asserting his influence at McLaren following his long-term contract extension.
Formula 1 action resumes from September 4–6 for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza (Round 13 of the 2026 season). GRANDE PRÊMIO will provide complete live coverage of every session. Follow all updates on our news page.
Red Bull & Racing Bulls Driver Assignments (Dutch GP vs. Monza Target)
| Team | Dutch GP Driver (Zandvoort) | Status / Result | Target Driver (Italian GP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Bull Racing | Max Verstappen | DNF (Lap 1 Contact) | Max Verstappen |
| Red Bull Racing | Liam Lawson | 7th Place (Stand-in) | Isack Hadjar (Pending Med. Clearance) / Lawson |
| Racing Bulls | Arvid Lindblad | 12th Place | Arvid Lindblad |
| Racing Bulls | Yuki Tsunoda | 11th Place (Stand-in) | Liam Lawson (or Tsunoda if Lawson stays at RB) |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1. How did Isack Hadjar injure his wrist?
Isack Hadjar sustained a minor fracture to a bone in his left wrist during a boxing workout session during the F1 summer break.
2. Who will drive for Red Bull if Isack Hadjar is not cleared for Monza?
If Hadjar is not passed fit by Wednesday, Liam Lawson will remain in the Red Bull entry alongside Max Verstappen.
3. Why did Isack Hadjar decide not to race at the Dutch Grand Prix?
Hadjar chose to sit out Zandvoort on the advice of MotoGP legend Marc Márquez, prioritizing full recovery over risking long-term complications.
