Liam Lawson will unexpectedly return to the Red Bull Racing cockpit for the Formula 1 Dutch GP, replacing Isack Hadjar, who suffered a wrist injury during the category’s break in August. Despite the complicated history in his first stint with the team, the New Zealander downplayed the risk of repeating the scenario.
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The new opportunity arose after a consistent season for Lawson in Racing Bulls, with eight top-ten finishes in the first eleven rounds of 2026. The driver, who had been promoted to the main team at the start of 2025 and returned to the secondary team after just two races, said he faces the current moment with enthusiasm.
“In terms of maybe being a risk, I don’t know… it’s a unique situation to be in,” Lawson told the press. He also highlighted that he intends to take advantage of the experience alongside Max Verstappen and use the available references from his teammate.
“It has been a great year so far in my car, but at the same time, I am excited about the opportunity this weekend to drive something different, to return to this team, even if it’s just for one weekend,” he added.
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Lawson also said he received the news about the change suddenly. According to him, the confirmation arrived on Monday (17), as soon as he landed in the United Kingdom, where he expected to start preparing for work at Racing Bulls.
“I had just arrived, hadn’t even gotten off the plane. Basically, I was coming back from vacation and arrived in the UK for what I thought would be Racing Bulls preparation. Alan (Permane, Racing Bulls chief) called me and basically told me what was happening, so my week changed very quickly,” Lawson concluded.
With the change, Yuki Tsunoda temporarily took the place left by Lawson at Racing Bulls. The Japanese driver had lost the starting spot at Red Bull Racing at the end of 2025, and since then has been acting as a reserve for the two teams in the Red Bull ‘family’.
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