Isack Hadjar will sit out this weekend's Italian Grand Prix at Monza after medical staff determined his wrist injury has not recovered sufficiently for competition. Liam Lawson will step in as Max Verstappen's team-mate for a second consecutive race, continuing the arrangement that began at the Dutch Grand Prix.
The injury, which Hadjar sustained during a boxing session in the summer break, has proven more stubborn than initially hoped. According to Crash.net, the problem is a small hairline fracture in the wrist rather than a simple soft tissue issue. The setback forced him to miss the Dutch Grand Prix and now threatens his participation at Ferrari's home circuit.
Red Bull delayed the final decision until Wednesday afternoon to allow Hadjar every possible opportunity to prove his fitness. The team conducted a comprehensive medical evaluation and simulator assessment to gauge whether he could safely return to the cockpit. However, the medical team ultimately concluded that another week of recovery was necessary.
Hadjar himself had expressed optimism about his prospects. According to Yahoo Sports, the driver reported that welling in the wrist had diminished and his mobility was improving on a daily basis, leaving him hopeful he might make the Monza grid. That hope proved premature.
The timing presents a tight window for recovery. With Monza scheduled for 4-6 September, the team had only a short recovery period before the race weekend to assess Hadjar's condition. The compressed schedule meant that any lingering concerns about his readiness would likely result in caution.
Lawson's continued presence as Verstappen's partner means Yuki Tsunoda will again feature for Racing Bulls, giving the Japanese driver another opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities at a top venue. According to Planet F1, Red Bull had kept Lawson on standby throughout the week in case Hadjar failed to gain clearance for Italy.
The medical team has set their sights on the Madrid Grand Prix the following weekend as Hadjar's target return date. That race offers an additional seven days for the hairline fracture to continue healing and for the driver to regain full confidence in his wrist under racing loads.
Italian Grand Prix schedule on Sky Sports F1
Thursday, 4 September: Drivers' Press Conference at 1pm, Paddock Uncut at 4pm
Friday, 5 September: F3 Practice at 7.30am, F2 Practice at 8.55am, Italian Grand Prix Practice One at 11am (session starts 11.30am), F3 Qualifying at 12.55pm, F2 Qualifying at 1.50pm, Italian Grand Prix Practice Two at 2.35pm (session starts 3pm), The F1 Show at 4.15pm, Team Bosses' Press Conference at 5.20pm
Saturday, 6 September: F3 Sprint at 8.25am, Italian Grand Prix Practice Three at 11.15am (session starts 11.30am), F2 Sprint at 1.10pm, Italian Grand Prix Qualifying build-up at 2.15pm, Italian Grand Prix Qualifying at 3pm, Ted's Qualifying Notebook at 5pm
Sunday, 7 September: F3 Feature Race at 7.10am, F2 Feature Race at 8.40am, Porsche Supercup Race at 10.40am, Grand Prix Sunday build-up at 12.30pm, Italian Grand Prix at 2pm, Chequered Flag reaction at 4pm, Ted's Notebook at 5pm
Formula 1 heads to Monza for Ferrari's home race this weekend, with all action live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW—no contract required, cancel anytime.
