Liam Lawson has reported significant physical exertion during the Dutch Grand Prix weekend, stating he has ‘not sweated this much since Abu Dhabi’. The New Zealander is currently deputising for the injured Isack Hadjar at Red Bull Racing for the Zandvoort event.
Lawson’s unexpected return to the senior Red Bull team comes after Hadjar sustained a wrist injury, sidelining him from the Dutch Grand Prix. This marks Lawson’s second stint with Red Bull, having previously driven for them briefly in 2025.
The Circuit Zandvoort is known for its physically demanding layout, featuring high-speed corners and elevation changes that challenge drivers. The 2026 Dutch Grand Prix is also a Sprint weekend, intensifying the schedule with limited practice time.
Lawson, who typically races for Racing Bulls this season, has had to adapt quickly to the Red Bull RB22 car. He outpaced teammate Max Verstappen in the initial Sprint Qualifying (SQ1) session.
However, Lawson’s Sprint Qualifying session concluded in SQ2, placing him 11th on the grid for today’s Sprint Race. He expressed disappointment at not progressing further, noting a failure to make the same step in performance as other competitors.
His comments underscore the physical toll of driving a Formula 1 car, particularly when adapting to new machinery on a challenging circuit with minimal preparation. The comparison to Abu Dhabi highlights the extreme conditions experienced.
Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull’s reserve driver, has stepped into Lawson’s Racing Bulls seat for the Dutch Grand Prix weekend. This series of driver changes underscores the dynamic nature of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
