Driver to MISS Italian GP!

By Jana Van Nieuwenborgh

Red Bull confirmed on Wednesday that Isack Hadjar will miss a second consecutive Formula One race. The Frenchman has not recovered in time from his wrist injury sustained during the summer break to compete in this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix in Monza. 

 

Ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, Red Bull released a statement regarding the 21-year-old’s injury that he sustained during summer break. 

 

“Liam will drive alongside Max Verstappen at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, while Isack continues to make encouraging progress following the wrist injury sustained during the summer break,” the statement said. 

 

“The team is closely monitoring his rehabilitation and will take no unnecessary risks with his return to competition and wishes him a speedy recovery.” 

 

The timing of this injury for the Frenchman comes as a blow. Prior to missing the Dutch Grand Prix, Hadjar had put together a strong run of seven consecutive top-six finishes and currently sits eighth in the Drivers’ Championship standings. 

 

With the Italian Grand Prix ahead, Liam Lawson will replaceHadjar for a second consecutive race. The New Zealander will once again partner Max Verstappen after already having stepped in at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort. 

 

The New Zealander took home points for Red Bull in Zandvoort with his seventh place on race day, earning six points for the team. 

 

Meanwhile, Yuki Tsunoda stepped in to fill Lawson’s seat at Racing Bull and will continue to do so during this race weekend in Monza. This gives the Japanese another outing after losing his spot on the grid at the end of 2025. 

 

Tsunoda spoke positively about his experience getting back to action at the Dutch Grand Prix, though he came just short of scoring points, finishing 11th. 

 

“I definitely enjoyed it overall, and yeah, I think I gave it 100% as much as I can,” Tsunoda said. “I think I did pretty okay.”