Red Bull Racing has confirmed further driver lineup changes for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix, with Liam Lawson stepping in once again to replace Isack Hadjar. Hadjar remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from a wrist injury, prompting the team to call on Lawson’s services for the Monza event.
Lawson’s return to Red Bull Racing follows his previous substitute appearance at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, where he delivered a solid performance by finishing seventh and scoring points for the team. This experience has positioned him as a reliable option for Red Bull while Hadjar is unavailable. Meanwhile, Yuki Tsunoda will continue his role as a substitute driver for Racing Bulls, filling in for Lawson for the second consecutive race weekend.
The driver changes reflect ongoing adjustments within the Red Bull driver programme, as the teams manage the impact of Hadjar’s injury and maintain competitive lineups across their Formula 1® entries. Tsunoda, who lost his Racing Bulls seat at the end of the 2025 season, remains active in the sport through these substitute opportunities, showcasing his continued involvement in Formula 1® racing.
Red Bull Racing’s decision to bring Lawson back for Monza underscores the team’s approach to managing driver availability amid injury recovery. Lawson’s prior outing with the team demonstrated his capability to adapt quickly and contribute valuable points, an important factor as Red Bull seeks to maintain momentum in the championship.
At the same time, Tsunoda’s continued substitution at Racing Bulls highlights the fluid nature of driver lineups in the current Formula 1® season. Despite no longer holding a full-time seat, Tsunoda’s presence on the grid as a substitute driver keeps him engaged with the sport and offers him opportunities to demonstrate his skills at the highest level.
These lineup adjustments come ahead of the Italian Grand Prix weekend, where teams prepare to tackle the historic Monza circuit. Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls will rely on their substitute drivers to perform effectively as the regular drivers manage fitness and recovery. The situation remains subject to Hadjar’s rehabilitation progress, with no further details disclosed beyond his ongoing recovery status.
The announcements provide clarity on the driver arrangements for the Italian Grand Prix, reflecting the teams’ commitment to fielding competitive entries while accommodating the challenges posed by injuries. Fans can expect to see Lawson and Tsunoda back in action as part of Red Bull’s broader racing efforts during this phase of the season.