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Yuki Tsunoda makes his return to the Formula 1 grid at the Dutch Grand Prix, stepping in at Racing Bulls after Isack Hadjar was ruled out due to a wrist injury. Tsunoda, who spent the opening half of the 2026 season on the sidelines as a test and reserve driver, admitted he was “dying” for the opportunity to get back into a race seat.
A Surprise Call-Up in Zandvoort
On Tuesday, the 26-year-old driver was told he might be needed for the race weekend at Zandvoort. He quickly traveled back to the United Kingdom to prepare for his return.
The lineup shuffle occurred because Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson was called up to the senior Red Bull team to replace an injured Isack Hadjar, who is sidelined with a wrist injury, according to BBC. That left an open seat beside Arvid Lindblad at Racing Bulls for the Dutch Grand Prix.
“It was a very unexpected thing,” Tsunoda said, as reported by PlanetF1. “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.”
Adjusting to 2026 Machinery
Tsunoda lost his full-time race seat at the end of the previous season and transitioned to a simulator and reserve role supporting both Red Bull and Racing Bulls. While he has participated in four private testing sessions (TPCs), the Dutch Grand Prix marks his first race weekend appearance in 2026 machinery since the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, according to PlanetF1 and Formula 1 reports.
“Since the season started, I’ve been dying to be in the car and compete with the drivers,” Tsunoda told Formula 1. “I think this moment I will just enjoy, and obviously give my 100% performance. Hopefully that will bring some good results.”
Racing Bulls’ Midfield Battle
Tsunoda returns to a competitive Racing Bulls squad. The Faenza-based team sits fifth in the Constructors’ Championship with 66 points, holding a five-point advantage over Alpine in the fight to lead the midfield, according to PlanetF1 statistics.
“I don’t mind which car I’m driving,” Tsunoda said regarding his placement at Racing Bulls rather than the senior Red Bull squad. “I’m already grateful enough to have a seat. Soon as I wore this white jersey, I feel pretty at home.”
With 2027 grid vacancies filling up rapidly as teams lock in their lineups, Tsunoda views the weekend as a vital chance to demonstrate his capability on track. “There’s no better time than this,” he noted to Formula 1. “It’s always better to drive and show what I can do, rather than just talk.”
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