Red Bull will announce on Wednesday, September 2, whether Isack Hadjar is fit to compete in the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. The French driver sustained a minor bone fracture in his left wrist during a boxing workout over the summer break, forcing him to miss the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort.
Liam Lawson is on standby to replace Hadjar for the upcoming Round 13 of the 2026 Formula 1 season. Lawson stepped into the Red Bull Racing cockpit at Zandvoort alongside Max Verstappen, securing a seventh-place finish and six points for the team.
Hadjar, who is currently eighth in the World Championship, remained with the Red Bull team at Zandvoort, appearing in a brace. He described the injury as his first career absence and expressed frustration at watching from the sidelines.
The 21-year-old driver has provided an encouraging update on his recovery, noting that his wrist is not swollen and he is regaining mobility daily. He remains hopeful for a return at Monza.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies expressed optimism at Zandvoort regarding Hadjar’s potential return for Monza. The team aims to give Hadjar maximum recovery time before making a final decision.
Lawson’s performance at Zandvoort was notable, qualifying just a tenth of a second behind Verstappen. He also participated in a Pirelli tyre test at Mugello following the Dutch Grand Prix.
Should Hadjar not be cleared to race, Lawson would continue in the Red Bull entry alongside Verstappen. Yuki Tsunoda would then partner Arvid Lindblad at Racing Bulls, as was the arrangement at Zandvoort.
The Italian Grand Prix weekend at Monza is scheduled to run from September 4-6, 2026. Friday will feature Free Practice sessions, followed by Qualifying on Saturday and the Grand Prix on Sunday.
Beyond immediate driver decisions, Red Bull is committed to its 2027 future with Red Bull Powertrains (RBPT). The company, in partnership with Ford, is developing power units for the new F1 regulations.
These 2027 regulations will introduce significant changes to engine specifications, including a rebalancing of internal combustion engine and energy recovery system contributions. The FIA has agreed to adjust power balance, moving towards a 60:40 ratio in favour of internal combustion power by 2028.
Red Bull Powertrains is a crucial long-term investment for Red Bull, aiming for full independence in both chassis and power unit development. This initiative is designed to ensure future competitiveness in Formula 1.
Christian Horner, former Red Bull team principal, was instrumental in the decision to establish Red Bull Powertrains. The engine division is considered a significant challenge for the team.
