Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson during the Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix. Image: Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images
Dutch publication De Telegraaf has reported Hadjar is unlikely to compete at Zandvoort after sustaining the injury during a gym session in the build-up to the event.
While a final decision on the Frenchman’s participation is yet to be made, Lawson is understood to be in line to step up from Racing Bulls should Hadjar be ruled out.
It would mark an unexpected return to Red Bull for the New Zealander, less than 18 months after his brief stint alongside Max Verstappen came to an abrupt end.
Lawson began the 2025 season with Red Bull after earning promotion from its sister team, but was dropped after just two grands prix and sent back to Racing Bulls.
Yuki Tsunoda moved in the opposite direction and spent the remainder of the season alongside Verstappen before losing the seat to Hadjar for 2026.
De Telegraaf also reported Tsunoda is expected to return to Racing Bulls should Lawson step into Hadjar’s car.
Tsunoda has remained part of the Red Bull stable as a reserve driver this season and would therefore be available to fill the vacancy created by Lawson’s potential move.
Red Bull has yet to confirm Hadjar will miss the race or any subsequent changes involving Lawson and Tsunoda.
The rumoured injury comes at an unfortunate time for Hadjar, who has enjoyed an impressive first season with Red Bull and is expected to remain alongside Verstappen in 2027.
The 21-year-old has strong memories of Zandvoort after producing a surprise podium at the circuit last season on his first F1 appearance there.
For Lawson, a Red Bull recall would come amid a strong 2026 campaign with Racing Bulls.
The Kiwi sits ninth in the drivers’ championship heading into the Dutch Grand Prix and has rebuilt his standing within the Red Bull system following the disappointment of his short-lived promotion last year.
Zandvoort would also provide a fitting setting for another unexpected chapter in Lawson’s F1 career.
It was at the same circuit in 2023 that Lawson made his grand prix debut after Daniel Ricciardo crashed during practice and suffered a broken wrist.
Lawson was drafted into the then-AlphaTauri team at short notice and remained in the car for five races while Ricciardo recovered, beginning the substitute stint that ultimately helped establish him as a contender for a permanent F1 seat.
Three years later, another wrist injury could now hand Lawson an equally sudden opportunity, this time back alongside Verstappen at Red Bull.