Liam Lawson is set to race again for Red Bull Racing at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, stepping in while Isack Hadjar continues his recovery from a wrist injury. Lawson’s experience switching between the Red Bull Racing car and the Racing Bulls machine has presented unique challenges, especially given the short notice of his call-up for the weekend.
Lawson previously replaced Hadjar at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, where he finished seventh and scored points for Red Bull Racing. With Hadjar still sidelined, Lawson will once again partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing, while Yuki Tsunoda will take over Lawson’s seat at Racing Bulls during the Monza weekend. Lawson only learned on the Wednesday before the race that he would be driving for Red Bull again, which made his preparation particularly demanding.
Balancing preparation for two different cars simultaneously, Lawson has been working with both teams, including simulator sessions, to stay ready for either drive. He highlighted the significant differences between the Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls cars, particularly in terms of balance and high-speed grip. These contrasts make switching between the two vehicles a complex task for any driver.
Lawson also noted that the Monza weekend, featuring three practice sessions, offers a more conventional format compared to the Sprint weekend at Zandvoort. This structure should aid his adaptation to the Red Bull Racing car. He sees the opportunity to drive the Red Bull RB22 again as valuable and aims to make the most of it during the race weekend.
The situation reflects the ongoing adjustments within the Red Bull driver lineup due to Hadjar’s injury, with Lawson stepping up to maintain continuity for the team. Meanwhile, Tsunoda’s role at Racing Bulls during Monza adds another layer to the driver shuffle, demonstrating the flexibility required across the Red Bull racing programs.
Lawson’s comments provide insight into the practical challenges faced by drivers who switch between cars with distinct characteristics on short notice. His approach underlines the importance of simulator work and mental preparation in managing such transitions within the demanding environment of Formula 1®.
This episode highlights the dynamic nature of driver assignments in the sport and the adaptability expected from emerging talents like Lawson. His readiness to perform for Red Bull Racing at Monza underscores the depth of the team’s driver pool and the ongoing efforts to navigate unforeseen circumstances during the season.