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Lawson returns to Red Bull for Dutch Grand Prix
Sport Nation • August 19th, 2026 5:26 pm
Liam Lawson | Photo: Photosport
Liam Lawson is set for an unexpected return to Red Bull’s senior Formula One team at this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix.
Racing Bulls has confirmed the New Zealander will replace former teammate Isack Hadjar, who is unlikely to compete at Zandvoort after suffering a wrist injury during a gym session in the build-up to the race.
The move sees Lawson return to Red Bull less than 18 months after his brief stint alongside Max Verstappen came to an abrupt end.
Lawson began the 2025 season with Red Bull after being promoted from its junior team, but was dropped after just two grands prix and sent back to Racing Bulls.
This time, the recall is reward for a strong 2026 campaign. The 24-year-old sits ninth in the drivers’ championship with 43 points, making him the best of the rest outside the leading four teams.
Alongside teammate Arvid Lindblad, Lawson has also helped Racing Bulls climb to fifth in the constructors’ standings, potentially the best finish in the team’s history.
Red Bull reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda will move in the opposite direction, stepping into Lawson’s Racing Bulls seat alongside Lindblad.
The timing brings back familiar memories for Lawson, who made his Formula One debut at Zandvoort in 2023 after Daniel Ricciardo suffered a broken wrist in practice.
Lawson qualified 20th and finished 13th during challenging conditions.
Three years later, another wrist injury has created another sudden opportunity at the same circuit.
Lawson’s long-term future remains with Racing Bulls for now, but a strong showing alongside Verstappen could put him firmly back in the Red Bull conversation.
