F1
Liam LawsonOpens in new window
Isack HadjarOpens in new window

Red Bull keeps Lawson for Madrid GP as Hadjar’s wrist recovery drags on

Published: 

Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson of New Zealand steers his car during the third free practice ahead of Sunday's Formula One Hungarian Grand Prix auto race, at the Hungaroring racetrack in Mogyorod, near Budapest, Hungary, Saturday, July 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) (Darko Vojinovic/AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

MADRID (AP) — For a third consecutive race, Liam Lawson will join Max Verstappen as a Red Bull driver while Isack Hadjar recovers from a broken wrist, the Formula 1 team announced on Monday.

Hadjar was injured during the summer break and still has not fully recovered, leading Red Bull to let Lawson drive in the Madrid Grand Prix this week.

“Isack’s recovery continues to progress positively. While he is not ready to return to the cockpit he will be in Madrid supporting the team,” Red Bull said in a statement.

Lawson is having his strongest season in F1 and is ninth in the standings, one place behind Hadjar. That’s helped bring about the New Zealander’s return to Red Bull, where he was dropped after just two races in 2025.

“Everyone at Oracle Red Bull Racing looks forward to welcome Isack back behind the wheel very soon,” the team added.

After the Madrid GP, the series goes to Azerbaijan on Sept. 26.

___

See AP’s full auto racing coverage here

The Associated Press