Isack Hadjar’s hopes of returning to Formula 1 action at the Italian Grand Prix are hanging by a thread, with the Red Bull driver facing the possibility of missing a second consecutive race because of his wrist injury. The Frenchman was forced to sit out the Dutch Grand Prix after suffering a fracture during the summer break, reportedly while boxing as part of his training routine. Now, with the Monza weekend approaching, Red Bull are preparing for another difficult decision regarding his fitness.
Hadjar had been eager to return to the cockpit, but his situation is more complicated than simply determining whether he can physically drive the RB22. Formula 1 places enormous demands on a driver’s wrists, particularly under heavy braking, rapid direction changes and high-speed cornering. Any weakness or pain could compromise Hadjar’s ability to control the car and potentially make the injury worse. That is why Red Bull are understood to be taking a cautious approach rather than rushing their young driver back simply because he wants to compete.
RED BULL PREPARE LIAM LAWSON CONTINGENCY
If Hadjar is unable to receive medical clearance, Liam Lawson appears to be the obvious replacement. The New Zealander already stepped into the Red Bull seat at Zandvoort and produced a performance that strengthened his case considerably. Lawson qualified strongly and finished seventh, giving the team valuable points while also demonstrating that he could adapt quickly to the pressure of driving alongside Max Verstappen.
That performance has created an interesting situation for Red Bull. Lawson was initially expected to return to Racing Bulls once Hadjar recovered, but another absence could give him a second opportunity to establish himself in the senior team. Red Bull have reportedly already prepared a contingency plan that could even see Hadjar participate in the opening practice session at Monza before Lawson takes over if the Frenchman determines that his wrist is not ready for a complete race weekend.
Such a switch would require the appropriate approval from the FIA, adding another layer of complexity to Red Bull’s planning. Nevertheless, having Lawson immediately available gives the team a relatively straightforward solution should Hadjar fail his final fitness assessment.
HADJAR’S RECOVERY HAS BECOME A MAJOR RED BULL STORYLINE
The injury could not have arrived at a more frustrating point in Hadjar’s season. The 21-year-old had been establishing himself as a serious prospect within Red Bull’s senior operation, producing several impressive results throughout the campaign and showing that he could score consistently against much more experienced opposition.
His absence at Zandvoort therefore represented more than just missing one race. It interrupted his momentum at a critical stage of the championship and allowed Lawson to demonstrate what he could do in the same machinery. Hadjar now faces the additional pressure of returning without immediately knowing whether his replacement has strengthened his own position.
However, Red Bull have little incentive to take unnecessary risks. A premature comeback followed by an aggravated injury could keep Hadjar out for considerably longer. Reports have already raised concerns that the wrist problem could become more serious if he returns before it has properly healed.
LAWSON HAS EVERYTHING TO GAIN AT MONZA
For Lawson, another Red Bull opportunity would be a major chance to change the direction of his career. His previous promotion to the senior team ended after only two races, but his Zandvoort return showed considerably more composure and competitiveness.
The New Zealander now knows exactly what Red Bull expects from him. More importantly, he has already experienced the pressure of returning to the team and managed to deliver points. Another strong weekend at Monza would make it increasingly difficult to dismiss his potential.
There is also a significant difference between simply filling in for an injured driver and putting together consecutive performances in a championship-winning environment. If Lawson can produce another competitive qualifying result and finish strongly at Monza, Red Bull would have even more evidence when assessing his future.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR HADJAR’S 2026 CAMPAIGN
The priority for Hadjar must ultimately be his recovery rather than winning a race to return to the cockpit. Missing Monza would be disappointing, but returning too soon and damaging the wrist further could have consequences extending well beyond one Grand Prix.
Red Bull will therefore have to balance Hadjar’s desire to race with the team’s responsibility to protect a driver who is viewed as an important part of its future. A second consecutive absence would undoubtedly be frustrating, but it could be the sensible decision if he is not fully fit.
The Italian Grand Prix could consequently become another chapter in the rapidly developing battle between Hadjar and Lawson. If Hadjar is cleared, all eyes will be on how his wrist holds up around Monza’s demanding circuit. If he is ruled out, Lawson will once again have the opportunity to prove that his Red Bull story may not be finished after all.
For now, the situation remains dependent on the final medical assessment. But with Monza fast approaching and Lawson already prepared to step in, Red Bull are making sure they are not caught without a solution. The next decision could have consequences not only for the Italian Grand Prix, but potentially for the futures of both drivers.
