Liam Lawson will continue to substitute for the injured Isack Hadjar at the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix as Yuki Tsunoda evaluates his long-term motorsport future.
Red Bull confirmed Lawson will partner Max Verstappen at the new Madring circuit. Hadjar is recovering from a hairline wrist fracture sustained during a summer boxing workout, ruling him out of his third consecutive race.
Lawson Retains Red Bull Seat
A team statement noted the New Zealander will continue driving duties while the regular driver recovers. “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.”
Tsunoda Ponders F1 Future
Tsunoda remains alongside Arvid Lindblad at Racing Bulls. The Japanese driver secured a tenth-place finish for the Faenza squad at the Italian Grand Prix, an event otherwise overshadowed by McLaren’s bold strategy shift.
Despite returning to the points, the 26-year-old acknowledged his uncertain status beyond the current campaign.
“I’m free! Would love to hear those calls, but not yet,” Tsunoda said. “It’s good that things are going positive, at least. Obviously, my primary target is to be in Formula 1. Let’s see. In this world anything can happen. At the same time, it’s also knowing that it’s not easy to have a seat.”
Honda’s extensive IndyCar programme could offer Tsunoda a compelling alternative if seats remain locked. His aggressive racecraft suits the North American series, requiring raw instinct that contrasts with the debut of autonomous racing at Imola.
Opening practice for the Spanish Grand Prix begins on Friday morning.
