Isack Hadjar’s homecoming could be short-lived. The French-Algerian driver, who has been impressing in his rookie Formula 1 season with Red Bull’s senior team, is facing a race against time to be fit for this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. Motorsport.com has learned that Hadjar sustained a wrist injury during a gym session ahead of the race weekend, and the team has already begun contingency planning.
The injury is a cruel blow for the 22-year-old, who has been a revelation since being promoted from Racing Bulls to partner Max Verstappen at the start of the season. With Verstappen set to leave Red Bull at the end of the year, this Dutch Grand Prix carries extra emotional weight – it is the final home race for the four-time world champion before his anticipated move to Aston Martin. Hadjar, who has been tipped as a future star, would have wanted to share that moment on track with his legendary teammate.
Red Bull’s Preparedness
According to sources close to the team, Red Bull has already identified a replacement should Hadjar be unable to take part. While the team has not made a formal decision, the fact that a plan is in place suggests they are taking the injury seriously. The most likely candidate is understood to be Liam Lawson, who currently races for Racing Bulls and has been waiting in the wings for a full-time seat at the senior squad. Lawson impressed during his stand-in appearances last year, and Red Bull’s driver programme is known for its depth in talent.
The team’s principal, Laurent Mekies, has been tight-lipped about the situation, stating only that a decision will be made in due course. The medical staff will continue to assess Hadjar’s wrist over the coming days, with a final call expected before Friday’s practice sessions.
Hadjar’s Strong Start
Hadjar has been a standout performer in 2026, consistently challenging Verstappen and even claiming a podium finish at the Spanish Grand Prix. His aggressive driving style and fearless overtakes have earned him a legion of fans, and his absence would be a significant blow to the grid’s competitive balance. The Dutch Grand Prix is one of the most demanding circuits on the calendar, with its banked corners and high-speed sweeps, so any physical limitation could be a major disadvantage.
For Red Bull, the timing could not be worse. The team is locked in a tight constructors’ battle with Ferrari and McLaren, and every point matters. If Hadjar is forced to sit out, they will need Lawson to hit the ground running in a car he has never raced competitively this season.
Verstappen’s Farewell
Beyond the immediate sporting implications, the Dutch Grand Prix is set to be an emotional occasion for Verstappen and his legions of orange-clad fans. The 28-year-old has won at Zandvoort three times since the circuit returned to the calendar in 2021, and he will be desperate to bow out with a victory. Having a different teammate alongside him could alter the team’s dynamic, but Verstappen has always thrived on pressure.
Hadjar’s injury also raises questions about Red Bull’s long-term planning. With Verstappen leaving, the team is already looking to the future, and Hadjar was seen as a key piece of that puzzle. Missing a race through injury is not a major setback in that regard, but it does highlight the physical demands of modern F1.
As the paddock waits for official word, the speculation is already rife. Some have suggested that Red Bull might promote Lawson permanently if Hadjar’s recovery takes longer than expected, while others believe the team will stick with Hadjar once he is fit.
For now, all eyes are on the medical reports. Hadjar will undergo further scans on Thursday, and the team will make a final call shortly after. If he is ruled out, Lawson will likely be confirmed as his replacement, and the Dutch Grand Prix will take on an even more intriguing narrative.
Regardless of the outcome, this story is a stark reminder of how fragile a racing career can be – one moment you’re preparing for the biggest race of your life, the next you’re watching from the sidelines. For Hadjar, the hope is that this is just a minor blip in what promises to be a long and successful career.
