Hadjar Out for Italian GP, Lawson Returns to Red Bull
Isack Hadjar will miss the Italian Grand Prix due to a wrist injury, marking his second consecutive absence. Liam Lawson will step in for Red Bull, while Yuki Tsunoda fills Lawson's seat at Racing Bulls. Red Bull stated they will not rush Hadjar's return and are monitoring his recovery closely.
Hadjar's wrist injury, sustained during the summer break, has now sidelined him for two consecutive race weekends. Red Bull's official statement emphasized a cautious rehabilitation approach, with no confirmed timeline for his return, leaving his immediate future in Formula 1 uncertain. The French driver had been performing well before the setback, sitting eighth in the championship with 68 points.
The driver reshuffle highlights ongoing instability in the Red Bull second seat, which Sergio Pérez vacated at the end of 2024 after four seasons and two constructors' titles. Pérez now drives for Cadillac, currently eighth in the standings with 28 positions gained in races this year, second-best on the grid behind Carlos Sainz. Lawson, who previously held the seat without fully convincing, returns as the emergency replacement.
This driver rotation could affect team chemistry and championship momentum for Red Bull, as inconsistent lineup changes may disrupt development feedback and race strategy. Fans following Pérez's legacy may see this as a reminder of the seat's volatility, potentially influencing how young drivers evaluate future opportunities with top teams. The cautious handling of Hadjar's recovery could also set a precedent for how teams balance driver health against competitive pressure.