Isack Hadjar will return to Red Bull Racing for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, following his recovery from a broken wrist. The French driver had been sidelined for the previous three rounds of the 2026 Formula 1 season due to an injury sustained during the summer break. His return sees Liam Lawson move back to his regular seat at Visa Cash App Racing Bulls.
Lawson had stepped in to partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing for the Dutch, Italian, and Spanish Grands Prix. During this temporary promotion, Lawson demonstrated strong performance, securing points finishes at Zandvoort and Madrid. He finished seventh at the Dutch Grand Prix and sixth at the Spanish Grand Prix.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies acknowledged Lawson’s contributions, praising his professionalism and dedication. Mekies noted Lawson’s ability to deliver impressive performances under challenging circumstances.
The decision for Hadjar to join Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing for the 2026 season was initially announced in December 2025. Hadjar had an impressive rookie year in 2025 with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, which included a podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix.
Lawson’s return to Visa Cash App Racing Bulls means he will resume his partnership with Arvid Lindblad. Lindblad is the only rookie on the 2026 F1 grid.
This marks Lawson’s second stint with Red Bull Racing, having been promoted to the senior team for the start of the 2025 season. However, he was demoted back to Racing Bulls after only two rounds due to his performance alongside Verstappen.
The 2026 Formula 1 season features significant technical regulation changes and the introduction of the Red Bull Ford Powertrains power unit. Both Red Bull Racing and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls are navigating this new era of the sport.
Yuki Tsunoda, who had been racing for Racing Bulls, will step down from his race seat with Lawson’s return. Tsunoda had secured a point at the Italian Grand Prix earlier this season.
