Hadjar's Dutch GP withdrawal shows confidence, not weakness, says former Red Bull mechanic

Isack Hadjar’s decision to withdraw from the Dutch Grand Prix with a wrist injury was an act of confidence, not vulnerability, according to former Red Bull mechanic Calum Nicholas — a view echoed by Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies, who confirmed the Frenchman remained present at Zandvoort throughout the weekend.

Hadjar, in his debut season alongside four-time champion Max Verstappen at Red Bull, stepped aside for the Zandvoort round, allowing Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson to fill the seat at short notice. Lawson made the most of the opportunity, finishing seventh in a chaotic race that saw Verstappen crash out on the opening lap.

Speaking on the Talking Bull podcast, Nicholas was unequivocal in his reading of the situation. “To take the week out as a precaution to make sure that he was fit for the rest of the season actually shows the confidence that he’s had all year,” he said. “He’s been doing an incredible job. It’s a real sign of the confidence that he’s got to be able to just say, ‘Look, I’m not 100%. I’m going to take this week out as a precaution.’”

Nicholas added that he hopes to see Hadjar back in the car at Monza, where the Italian Grand Prix is scheduled for 4 to 6 September.

Mekies reinforced the notion that Hadjar’s absence was managed rather than forced. “We also had Isack with us this weekend even though he couldn’t be driving,” the team principal said. “He was with the team trying to take the learning and trying to make sure we can push all together as strongly as we can next week in Monza.”

Whether Hadjar will be confirmed for the Italian Grand Prix has not yet been officially announced. The 20-year-old currently sits eighth in the drivers’ championship with 68 points after an impressive start to the 2026 campaign, while Verstappen is sixth on 112 points.