Isack Hadjar will sit out this weekend's Italian Grand Prix at Monza, with his wrist injury still not sufficiently recovered to allow him to compete. Liam Lawson will step in as Max Verstappen's team-mate for a second consecutive race, continuing his run of substitute appearances for the Milton Keynes squad.
The injury originated during a training session over the summer break, forcing Hadjar to miss the Dutch Grand Prix sprint weekend at Zandvoort. Despite hopes that the intervening weeks would provide enough recovery time before Monza, medical staff have determined that another race absence is necessary.
According to Sky Sports F1, the injury has been described as a small crack or hairline fracture in a wrist bone, sustained during a routine workout. Hadjar had expressed optimism about his recovery prospects, noting that swelling had subsided and mobility was gradually returning, but the medical team's assessment this week has overruled those hopes.
Red Bull delayed its final decision until Wednesday afternoon to afford Hadjar every possible opportunity to prove his fitness. The team conducted a comprehensive assessment before concluding that another race absence was the prudent course of action. According to Yahoo Sports, Hadjar had reported day-by-day improvements in his condition, but the medical staff ultimately prioritised caution over optimism.
Lawson's elevation to the senior Red Bull seat for a second event represents another opportunity for the New Zealand driver to impress at the highest level. His performance at Monza will be closely monitored as he partners Verstappen in what is Ferrari's home race.
The decision also creates an opening for Yuki Tsunoda at Racing Bulls, who will have another chance to demonstrate his capabilities in a competitive machinery. Tsunoda will partner with his Racing Bulls team-mate as the sister team looks to capitalise on the opportunity.
Red Bull's medical team has indicated that Hadjar is targeted to return for the following race in Madrid next weekend, assuming his recovery continues on its current trajectory. The timeline suggests that the injury, while requiring careful management, is not expected to sideline him for an extended period.
The Dutch Grand Prix absence had already been treated as a precautionary measure by Red Bull and Hadjar to prevent any aggravation of the injury before the Italian Grand Prix. According to GP Blog, Lawson was positioned as the ready replacement should Hadjar remain unfit, and that contingency has now been activated.
Lawson has also been keeping sharp during this period, having completed a Pirelli tyre test at Mugello shortly after the Dutch Grand Prix while maintaining his readiness for another potential call-up to the senior team.
Italian Grand Prix schedule on Sky Sports F1
Thursday, September 3: Drivers' Press Conference at 1pm, Paddock Uncut at 4pm
Friday, September 4: F3 Practice at 7.30am, F2 Practice at 8.55am, Italian Grand Prix Practice One at 11am (session starts at 11.30am), F3 Qualifying at 12.55pm, F2 Qualifying at 1.50pm, Italian Grand Prix Practice Two at 2.35pm (session starts at 3pm), The F1 Show at 4.15pm, Team Bosses' Press Conference at 5.20pm
Saturday, September 5: F3 Sprint at 8.25am, Italian Grand Prix Practice Three at 11.15am (session starts at 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, September 6: 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, The 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, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW—no contract, cancel anytime.
