Lawson on Standby for Monza Return
Red Bull keeps Liam Lawson with the senior team ahead of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza after Isack Hadjar's wrist injury. The move follows Lawson's substitute appearance at Zandvoort and marks the first time a previously demoted junior has been retained in this scenario.
Standby Arrangement Confirmed
Red Bull has kept Liam Lawson attached to the senior team in the days after the Dutch Grand Prix. The New Zealander stepped in for the injured Isack Hadjar at Zandvoort and scored points with seventh place.[1]
The team now holds Lawson ready should Hadjar remain unavailable for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. Hadjar sustained a wrist injury during summer training and missed the Zandvoort round.[2]
Historic Context
Lawson previously raced for Red Bull in 2025 before a return to the junior squad. His current retention represents the first instance of a demoted Red Bull junior staying with the top team under these conditions.[1]
Lawson adapted quickly at Zandvoort despite limited preparation time and finished only one tenth behind teammate Max Verstappen in qualifying.[3]
Monza Outlook
The Italian Grand Prix takes place on the traditional Monza layout. Both the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid and the June Barcelona event remain on the 2026 calendar as separate rounds. Hadjar's recovery timeline will determine whether Lawson starts again.[2]
Related reading
- [1]Red Bull makes decision on Lawson with an eye on Hadjar's return (gpblog). Accessed 2026-08-26.
- [2]Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar to miss Dutch Grand Prix with wrist injury as Liam Lawson confirmed as replacement (skysports). Accessed 2026-08-26.
- [3]How super sub Liam Lawson rose to the challenge of driving this year's Red Bull (formula1). Accessed 2026-08-26.