Liam Lawson is set for a surprise return to Red Bull’s Formula 1 team at this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix, with Racing Bulls confirming the Kiwi will step in for the injured Isack Hadjar.
Hadjar is dealing with a wrist injury sustained during the final days of the F1 summer break, leaving his participation at Zandvoort in doubt. With the Frenchman ruled out, Lawson will move up from Racing Bulls to partner Max Verstappen, while Red Bull reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda is expected to take Lawson’s place alongside rookie Arvid Lindblad.
The move gives Lawson another opportunity with Red Bull after his first stint with the senior team ended abruptly at the beginning of the 2025 season.
The 24-year-old was promoted to Red Bull for the opening two races of last year, but was sent back to Racing Bulls after the Australian Grand Prix, with Tsunoda taking his place alongside Verstappen.
Lawson has since rebuilt his reputation with a strong 2026 campaign.
He heads into the Dutch Grand Prix ninth in the drivers’ championship with 43 points, making him the leading driver outside the sport’s top four teams. His results, combined with Lindblad’s 23 points, have also helped Racing Bulls move into fifth in the constructors’ standings.
It is a significant turnaround for Lawson, who has shown greater consistency and confidence throughout the first half of the season.
His relationship with Lindblad has also played a part in Racing Bulls’ improved form.
The 19-year-old rookie described their rivalry as a healthy one, with both drivers pushing each other to extract more performance from themselves and the team.
“We’ve pushed each other on a lot, and I think that’s been good for both of us,” Lindblad said.
While the pair are keen to beat one another on track, Lindblad said they maintain a good relationship away from racing.
The close competition has coincided with a period of strong development for Racing Bulls, with the team introducing regular upgrades and becoming increasingly competitive.
Lindblad believes the combination of the car’s development and the internal battle between the two drivers has helped lift the team’s results.
“The team have done an amazing job to continue to bring performance to the car, but I also think me and Liam pushing each other every weekend has helped that,” he said.
For Lawson, his latest Red Bull call-up also brings a sense of déjà vu.
Zandvoort was the scene of his unexpected Formula 1 debut in 2023, when he was called up by AlphaTauri after Daniel Ricciardo suffered a broken wrist in a practice crash.
Lawson qualified 20th for the Dutch Grand Prix but recovered to finish 13th in difficult conditions, beginning a five-race substitute stint while Ricciardo recovered.
Three years later, another driver’s wrist injury has opened the door for Lawson at the same circuit, this time giving him another chance to race alongside Verstappen.
How long Lawson will remain in the Red Bull seat remains unclear, with Hadjar’s recovery timeline yet to be established.
Hadjar had been enjoying an impressive first season with Red Bull and is expected to retain his place alongside Verstappen in 2027.
For now, though, Lawson has another unexpected opportunity to prove himself at the top level of Formula 1.
Header Image: Sam Bloxham/LAT Images via Red Bull Content Pool
