Isack Hadjar to sit out third F1 race in Madrid as Yuki Tsunoda returns

Red Bull Racing has confirmed Isack Hadjar will miss his third consecutive race at the new Madrid Spanish Grand Prix. Liam Lawson will continue as his replacement in the RB22 alongside Max Verstappen. Yuki Tsunoda, instead of being promoted, will stay with Racing Bulls for another race. The announcement was made on Monday evening. Hadjar's wrist injury has not healed enough for him to drive. Red Bull says his recovery is progressing positively but has not set a return date. Hadjar will attend the Madrid race to support the team. This is not just a line-up change. In the 2026 season, with brand-new power-unit and aerodynamic regulations, Red Bull is still learning the RB22. Having a regular driver absent for three races interrupts the development feedback loop. Liam Lawson brings his own experience, but he lacks Hadjar's accumulated setup data and simulator mileage with this specific car. During a regulation reset, that missing feedback can become a competitive problem later in the year. The bigger story is that Tsunoda was again overlooked. Red Bull had two options when Hadjar was injured: recall Lawson or promote Tsunoda. They chose Lawson. That reveals how Red Bull ranks its drivers. Lawson is described as "returning" to the RB22, implying he remains part of the long-term plan. Tsunoda, despite his consistency, is left at Racing Bulls. The phrase "gets another race with Racing Bulls" sounds more like consolation than promotion. The most unusual detail is not in the statement: Racing Bulls still has an empty seat. With Lawson moving up and Hadjar injured, who will drive the second Racing Bulls car in Madrid? No name was given. This gap matters because a midfield team cannot afford to lose points while fielding an unnamed substitute. Hadjar's career is at a sensitive point. Wrist injuries are difficult for F1 drivers because of the physical loads. If he returns too soon, he risks reinjury; if he returns late, Lawson may have strengthened his claim to the seat. Red Bull is known for being ruthless with second drivers. Lawson now has three races to prove himself. Tsunoda, meanwhile, must decide whether waiting for Red Bull is still the right strategy for his career. Madrid will provide the answers, but the key question is not when Hadjar recovers. It is whether Red Bull will still want him when he does.