Red Bull Racing has announced that Isack Hadjar will not participate in this weekend's Italian Grand Prix due to a wrist injury he sustained during the summer break. The 21-year-old driver had already been sidelined for the previous race, the Dutch Grand Prix, because of the same injury, which has raised concerns about his recovery timeline.
In Hadjar's absence, Red Bull has opted to maintain the driver lineup that competed at Zandvoort. Liam Lawson, who has shown promising potential, will take over Hadjar's seat, while Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull's reserve driver, will step up to the Racing Bulls team, filling Lawson's previous position.
During the Dutch Grand Prix, Lawson and Tsunoda both delivered commendable performances. Lawson finished the race in seventh place, showcasing his skill and adaptability under pressure. Tsunoda, on the other hand, narrowly missed out on scoring points, finishing in 11th place, an impressive feat considering he was piloting the new 2026 F1 car for the first time. This car presents a significantly different driving experience compared to the ground-effect models he had previously raced.
In a statement regarding Hadjar's situation, Red Bull Racing expressed their support for the young driver: “Liam will drive alongside Max at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, while Isack continues to make encouraging progress following the wrist injury sustained during the summer break. The Team is closely monitoring his rehabilitation and will take no unnecessary risks with his return to competition and wishes him a speedy recovery.”
Hadjar's injury reportedly occurred during a boxing training session, a part of his fitness regime. According to reports, he fractured his wrist while punching a heavy bag filled with sand. This unfortunate incident has led to questions about the safety of certain training methods for drivers, especially as they prepare for the intense physical demands of Formula One racing.
As the Italian Grand Prix approaches, Red Bull Racing will be looking to capitalize on the momentum gained from the previous race. Lawson's performance will be under close scrutiny as he partners with Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion, in a bid to secure valuable points for the team in the Constructors' Championship. The Italian GP at Monza is known for its high-speed straights and passionate fans, making it a crucial event in the F1 calendar.
With Hadjar's recovery ongoing, Red Bull Racing remains optimistic about his return to the track, but for now, all eyes will be on Lawson as he takes on the challenge at one of the sport's most iconic venues.
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