Third absence for injured Hadjar as Lawson fills in again in Spain

The young Frenchman will again be replaced by New Zealander Liam Lawson who will line up alongside Max Verstappen. Lawson's seat in the Racing Bulls will be filled for the third race in a row by Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda. "After racing for the team in Zandvoort and Monza, Liam will continue to drive alongside Max at this week's Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid," Red Bull said in a statement. "The decision has been taken as Isack's recovery continues to progress positively. While he is not yet ready to return to the cockpit, he will be in Madrid supporting the team." Hadjar, who turns 22 at the end of the month, injured his left wrist during a training session over the summer break. He currently sits eighth in the world championship with 71 points, making the podium at the Monaco GP. Lawson, finished seventh at Zandvoort but could manage only 14th on Sunday at Monza. © 2026 AFP