Injury-ridden Isack Hadjar has offered a classy response to Yuki Tsunoda’s return to Formula 1 at the Dutch Grand Prix.
The Frenchman was announced to miss Zandvoort’s final race after sustaining a wrist injury, with Liam Lawson taking over the reins at Red Bull. Tsunoda, meanwhile, is set to make his first outing of 2026 with his former Racing Bulls team.
Following his unexpected call-up, the Japanese driver took to social media to wish his former team-mate a speedy recovery. Whilst emphasising his excitement to get back into the series.
“Happy to get back behind the wheel this weekend and step in for the team,” Tsunoda wrote in a social media post.
“Wishing Isack Hadjar a speedy recovery!”
Whilst Hadjar has yet to speak about his injury, the Red Bull driver left an encouraging comment for Tsunoda this weekend.
“Have fun, bro,” the Frenchman commented under Tsunoda’s post.
Whilst Tsunoda is highly experienced in F1, this weekend marks his first outing under the new regulations. The 26-year-old has previously taken part in TPC tests and simulator work for Red Bull throughout the season.
Tsunoda reflects on Dutch GP F1 call up
The Dutch GP marks yet another sprint race weekend on the calendar. Meaning the Japanese driver will have just one hour of free practice to understand the car before heading into the sprint shootout.
Despite this short turnaround, Tsunoda remains confident in himself. Emphasising that he has been waiting for this moment all season.
It was a very unexpected thing,” Tsunoda explained to media, including Motorsport Week.
“I’m actually quite calm and looking forward to tomorrow.
“I mean, I can’t be sad. It was a moment I was waiting for, and I was dying to have this kind of moment.”
Tsunoda also revealed that he isn’t focused on which car he’s driving. Whilst some suggested he should’ve been the replacement for Hadjar over Lawson, the 26-year-old says he’s just happy to be back racing at the pinnacle of motorsport.
“I don’t mind which car I’m driving,” Tsunoda stated. “I’m already grateful enough to have a seat.
“I don’t really mind which car I’m driving because both teams are performing well, especially Racing Bulls this year.
“Racing Bulls, I’ve been here for long years. Soon as I wore this white jersey, I feel pretty at home.
“Having already these opportunities for me would be something over the roof that I was dying to have, so yeah, I’m very excited to race with Racing Bulls.”
The Japanese driver will be aiming to impress on his first weekend back in the series. As a solid performance in Zandvoort could help his search for a 2027 F1 seat.
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