Liam Lawson could make a surprise return to Red Bull this weekend, with reports suggesting the New Zealander may be called up to replace Isack Hadjar at the Dutch Grand Prix if the Frenchman is ruled out with a wrist injury.
Dutch outlet De Telegraaf reports that Hadjar is unlikely to compete at Zandvoort after suffering the injury during a gym session. Red Bull has yet to make a final decision on his participation, but Lawson is reportedly the leading candidate to step into the vacant seat if necessary.
A return to Red Bull would be a remarkable turn of events for Lawson, who spent just two races alongside Max Verstappen at the start of the 2025 season before being demoted back to the team’s junior outfit.
Lawson had earned his promotion after impressing with Racing Bulls, but his stint with the senior team lasted only two grands prix. Yuki Tsunoda subsequently replaced him and completed the 2025 season alongside Verstappen before losing the seat to Hadjar for 2026.
Should Lawson be promoted again, De Telegraaf reports that Tsunoda would likely move back into Lawson’s Racing Bulls seat. Tsunoda has remained within the Red Bull system as a reserve driver this season and would be available to step in.
Red Bull has not confirmed Hadjar’s injury status or any potential driver changes for the Dutch Grand Prix.
Hadjar’s potential absence would be particularly unfortunate given his impressive debut season with Red Bull. The 21-year-old has established himself as a strong performer and is widely expected to retain his seat alongside Verstappen in 2027. Zandvoort also holds special memories for Hadjar, having claimed a surprise podium at the circuit last year.
For Lawson, meanwhile, the potential recall would cap a strong comeback campaign. The Kiwi currently sits ninth in the 2026 drivers’ championship and has rebuilt his reputation within the Red Bull family after his difficult promotion last year.
Interestingly, Zandvoort is also where Lawson made his unexpected F1 debut in 2023. He was called up by AlphaTauri after Daniel Ricciardo suffered a broken wrist during practice and went on to compete in five races while the Australian recovered.
Now, three years later, another wrist injury at the same circuit could once again open the door for Lawson — only this time, it could put him back in a Red Bull alongside Verstappen.
