Isack Hadjar will not compete in the 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza as the wrist injury he suffered during training over Formula 1’s summer break continues to prevent him from returning to the cockpit. Liam Lawson will therefore remain alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull, while Yuki Tsunoda will again replace the New Zealander at Racing Bulls.
The French-Algerian driver had already been forced to miss the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort with the same problem. One week later, his condition has not improved sufficiently for him to tackle the demands of the Temple of Speed, meaning Red Bull will retain the substitute arrangement it used in the Netherlands.
Isack Hadjar ruled out of Monza as Liam Lawson stays at Red Bull
Liam Lawson stepped into Isack Hadjar’s Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen at Zandvoort and finished the race in seventh place. The New Zealander collected six points and achieved what was realistically the best result available to him on that occasion.
As a consequence of Liam Lawson moving up to Red Bull, Yuki Tsunoda took his place at Racing Bulls. The Japanese driver, making his return to Formula 1, finished 11th after overtaking Arvid Lindblad and narrowly missing out on a points finish.
Isack Hadjar was still present in the Zandvoort paddock, with his forearm protected by a brace, but his recovery has not progressed far enough for him to resume racing at Monza.
Red Bull keeps same driver line-ups for Italian Grand Prix
Team principal Laurent Mekies has maintained from the beginning that there is no reason to put Isack Hadjar’s long-term health at risk by rushing his return. That cautious approach is particularly understandable given the strength and flexibility of the driver pool available across Red Bull and Racing Bulls.
For the Italian Grand Prix, the two teams will therefore retain the same line-ups used in the Netherlands. Liam Lawson will continue to race the Red Bull RB22 alongside Max Verstappen, while Yuki Tsunoda will remain at Racing Bulls.
The positive performances delivered by both replacement drivers at Zandvoort have reinforced the decision, allowing Red Bull to give Isack Hadjar the time required to recover fully from his wrist problem rather than bringing him back before he is ready.
Hadjar recovery remains Red Bull’s priority
Isack Hadjar had hoped to return at Monza after missing the Dutch Grand Prix, but the Italian round has arrived too soon. Red Bull will instead continue to monitor his recovery before deciding when he can safely resume competition.
For Liam Lawson, Monza represents a second consecutive opportunity back in Red Bull colours, while Yuki Tsunoda receives another chance with Racing Bulls. For Hadjar, however, the priority remains making a complete recovery before returning to Formula 1 action.
