Zandvoort Farewell: Tsunoda’s Surprise Return Headlines Red Bull Driver Shake-Up

Yuki Tsunoda is set to make a surprise return to the Formula 1 race grid this weekend after Red Bull reshuffled its driver lineup ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort.

Tsunoda will compete for Racing Bulls, taking Liam Lawson ’s seat after Lawson was called up to Red Bull Racing. Lawson will stand in for Isack Hadjar, who is expected to miss the weekend after suffering a wrist injury.

The temporary switch gives Tsunoda another chance to compete in an F1 race after moving out of a full-time Red Bull seat. His return comes at a particularly interesting moment, with Zandvoort preparing to host its final Dutch Grand Prix.

Lawson’s promotion also brings him back to a circuit connected with a major moment in his career. He made his Formula 1 debut at Zandvoort in 2023, replacing Daniel Ricciardo after the Australian suffered an injury. Three years later, Lawson will return to the same venue in a Red Bull car.

The Dutch Grand Prix will take place from August 21 to 23, marking Formula 1’s return from its summer break. The weekend will use the Sprint format, with Sprint Qualifying on Friday, the Sprint and Grand Prix qualifying on Saturday, and the main 72-lap race scheduled for Sunday, August 23.

The race carries special significance because 2026 will be the final year of the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. Formula 1 returned to the historic circuit in 2021 after a lengthy absence, with the event becoming a major attraction thanks to the huge crowds supporting home favourite Max Verstappen.

As Zandvoort prepares to close its latest chapter in Formula 1, the unexpected driver changes add another storyline to the farewell weekend.

Tsunoda’s comeback, Lawson’s return to Red Bull and Hadjar’s absence will make the final Dutch GP at Zandvoort one of the more closely watched weekends of the 2026 season.