The Formula 1 world has been shaken by a rumor that, while not yet official, is already generating excitement among fans and within the paddock. According to journalist Erik van Haren, well known for his coverage of Red Bull Racing, Isack Hadjar could be forced to sit out the Dutch Grand Prix due to a wrist injury.
The information was first shared by the FormulaRacers account on X (formerly Twitter) on August 19, 2026, and quickly became a trending topic among F1 enthusiasts. Neither Red Bull nor VCARB has issued an official statement, but the scenario being painted is nothing short of intriguing.
What Would Happen If Hadjar Can't Race?
According to the report, if Hadjar is unable to compete at the Zandvoort circuit in the Netherlands, a domino effect would unfold:
- Liam Lawson would be promoted to Red Bull to partner Max Verstappen, a pairing that has already been seen several times this season.
- Yuki Tsunoda would leave his current seat (presumably at Red Bull) and return to VCARB, Red Bull's sister team, as Hadjar's replacement.
This kind of driver rotation is not unusual for Red Bull, a team known for its dynamic (and sometimes controversial) decisions. Lawson has already filled in for injured drivers in the past, and Tsunoda has been shuffled between the two teams before, lending some credibility to the speculation.
The Context: Hadjar's Injury
Hadjar, a 22-year-old French driver, has been having a strong season with VCARB. However, injuries are part of the sport, and a wrist issue can be especially problematic in a Formula 1 car, where physical strength and precision are crucial for handling the immense forces and delicate steering inputs.
As of now, neither the team nor the driver has commented officially. The Dutch Grand Prix is scheduled for August 30, 2026, at the Zandvoort circuit, famous for its banked corners and festive, orange-clad crowds.
What This Means for the Season
While Max Verstappen continues to dominate the drivers' championship, the battles for points in the midfield are fiercely competitive. A change in driver lineup could affect team strategies and the constructors' standings.
If confirmed, Tsunoda's return to VCARB could give the Japanese driver a chance to prove his worth, while Lawson would face the pressure of performing alongside a multiple-time world champion.
Reactions and Next Steps
Fans are already speculating on social media. Some recall that in 2025, Lawson was called up at short notice to replace an injured driver, while others see Tsunoda as a driver with a point to prove.
For now, all we can do is wait. The news comes less than two weeks before the Grand Prix, so teams will need to make a decision quickly. If Hadjar does not recover, the coming hours will be crucial.
Sources: Tweet from FormulaRacers (reference link) · Erik van Haren's X account
Photo: Illustrative image of an F1 single-seater.