Formula 1

Liam Lawson to Replace Injured Isack Hadjar for Italian Grand Prix

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Sep 2, 2026, 22:37 IST

Red Bull has confirmed that Liam Lawson will continue to substitute for the injured Isack Hadjar at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix in Monza, while Yuki Tsunoda retains his seat at Racing Bulls.

Liam Lawson to Replace Injured Isack Hadjar for Italian Grand Prix

Red Bull has confirmed that Isack Hadjar will remain sidelined for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza as he continues to recover from a wrist injury. The French driver, who was also forced to miss the previous round in the Netherlands, will be replaced once again by New Zealander Liam Lawson.

Lawson stepped into the Red Bull cockpit at Zandvoort last weekend, delivering a solid performance to secure a seventh-place finish. The team’s decision to keep the New Zealander in the seat for Monza ensures continuity while Hadjar focuses on his rehabilitation following the injury sustained during the summer break.

Team Strategy and Driver Lineup Updates

In an official statement released on Wednesday, Red Bull emphasized that they are prioritizing Hadjar’s long-term health. The team noted that they are closely monitoring his recovery progress and are committed to taking no unnecessary risks regarding his return to competitive racing. They expressed their support for the driver, wishing him a swift return to full fitness.

The reshuffle also impacts the Racing Bulls entry, where Yuki Tsunoda will continue to fill the vacancy left by Lawson’s promotion to the main team. Tsunoda, who previously partnered Max Verstappen in the Red Bull livery last season, is coming off an eleventh-place finish at the Dutch Grand Prix. The Japanese driver will look to build on that result as the paddock heads to the high-speed circuit at Monza.

As the season progresses, the championship standings remain a focal point for the paddock. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli currently leads the field, holding a 59-point advantage over his closest rivals, teammate George Russell and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. With the Italian Grand Prix approaching, the focus remains on how the temporary driver adjustments will influence the competitive landscape of the weekend.