Hadjar out for Monza with Lawson and Tsunoda  continuing to fill in

Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar will sit out this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza after sustaining a wrist injury during pre-season training, according to the team’s official announcement. Liam Lawson will replace Hadjar for the second consecutive race, while Yuki Tsunoda continues to serve as a substitute for Racing Bulls. Both Red Bull teams released their driver lineups on Wednesday ahead of the 13th round of the Formula One season, set to take place at the iconic Monza circuit, known for its high-speed straights and demanding corners. The injury occurred during training prior to last month’s Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, where Hadjar was part of the Red Bull junior squad. The French driver, who had previously competed for the team in the 2022 season before being promoted to the main squad, suffered a wrist injury that has delayed his participation in the upcoming races. Red Bull confirmed that Lawson, 24, will join Max Verstappen at the Italian Grand Prix. Lawson, who finished seventh in the Dutch Grand Prix, currently holds ninth place in the championship standings with 49 points. Verstappen, meanwhile, crashed out of his home race on the opening lap, finishing sixth in the standings. Tsunoda, the official reserve driver for both Red Bull teams, will continue to support Racing Bulls, the Italy-based sister team traditionally used to nurture young talent. Alongside Tsunoda, British rookie Arvid Lindblad will compete for Racing Bulls. Tsunoda, 25, has been called upon to provide additional support to the team, leveraging his experience as a former Formula One driver. His presence adds depth to the lineup, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding Hadjar’s recovery. Hadjar expressed disappointment over missing the Monza race, describing the injury as his first in his entire career. “It’s my first injury ever in my whole existence, career, whatever. So it’s weird to be on the bench. I’m not happy about it, for me and for the team,” he stated during a media appearance at Zandvoort. Despite his frustration, Hadjar noted that the injury is not swollen, which he described as a positive sign. He added that he is regaining mobility daily and remains hopeful of returning for future races. The Formula One calendar remains packed as the second half of the season progresses. Following the Italian Grand Prix, the series will move to the newly constructed Spanish Grand Prix circuit in Madrid, scheduled for the weekend after Monza. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku is set for September 26, marking another key event in the season’s schedule. With multiple high-profile races coming up, the teams will need to manage their rosters carefully to ensure optimal performance. Red Bull emphasized its commitment to Hadjar’s recovery, stating that the team is closely monitoring his rehabilitation and will avoid taking any unnecessary risks with his return to competition. “We wish him a speedy recovery,” the team said in a statement. Meanwhile, Lawson and Tsunoda are expected to play crucial roles in supporting the teams during this period of transition. As the season intensifies, the outcomes of these substitutions could have lasting implications for both drivers and their respective squads.