Max Verstappen could have a different team-mate alongside him for his final home race on the Formula 1 calendar. Isack Hadjar is dealing with a wrist injury sustained during a gym session ahead of the race weekend at Zandvoort, Autosport has learned, and could be forced to miss the Dutch Grand Prix.
Laurent Mekies' team has yet to make a formal decision and, at this stage, was unable to comment officially when approached by Autosport, but according to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, a plan is already in place should Hadjar indeed be unable to race.
In that case, Liam Lawson will step up and get another opportunity at Red Bull as Verstappen's team-mate, following his demotion early last year. Reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda would then take Lawson's place at sister team Racing Bulls, alongside Arvid Lindblad.
Red Bull can still wait before making a final decision, although the team's main consideration is what is best for Hadjar's recovery, so that the 21-year-old is at least fit enough to return for the race weekend at Monza in two weeks' time.
Source: Autosport F1 News · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing