Red Bull has confirmed that Liam Lawson will once again drive the senior team car at this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix in Monza. The New Zealander will replace Isack Hadjar, who is still recovering from the wrist injury he suffered during training in the summer break. Yuki Tsunoda will remain in Lawson’s seat at Racing Bulls. Lawson made a good impression during his first race of the season with Red Bull last time out where he finished seventh at Zandvoort and scored valuable points after Max Verstappen retired early from the race. He will now get another chance to race alongside the four-time world champion at one of the fastest circuits on the calendar. The 24-year-old will also head to Monza with more experience under his belt and a better understanding of the Red Bull car after getting a full weekend in it in the Netherlands.

Hadjar was forced to sit out the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort after picking up the injury while boxing. Red Bull had been hopeful that the Frenchman would recover in time to return at Monza but medical staff ruled him out after deciding it would be better not to take any unnecessary risks. As per reports he is making good progress and the team continues to keep a close eye on his recovery with a possible return for the next round in Madrid. Tsunoda who is currently serving as Red Bull’s reserve driver will keep the Racing Bulls seat he used at Zandvoort. The decision means the temporary driver line-ups will stay the same for the Italian Grand Prix, giving both Lawson and Tsunoda another chance to show what they can do while Hadjar continues his recovery.

Lawson’s Gets Second Straight Race at Red Bull 

Liam Lawson’s return to the Red Bull for a second straight race at Monza means there is more on the line than simply standing in for an injured driver as a reserve. After a difficult start to 2025 saw him dropped from the senior team, the New Zealander took the unexpected opportunity at Zandvoort and showed once again why Red Bull has rated him highly. Finishing seventh at the Dutch Grand Prix and picking up points after Max Verstappen crashed out was a solid result for Lawson. He had very little time to prepare but still managed to stay relatively close to his teammate in qualifying before putting together a clean and controlled race. Now he comes to Monza with three practice sessions ahead of him and some experience of driving the current Red Bull car. 

That experience could prove useful for him. For Red Bull this situation is still only temporary. Isack Hadjar is expected to return once he is fully fit and the team has made it clear that it does not want to rush the young Frenchman back before he is ready. Every race Lawson spends in the Red Bull car gives the team more information about what he can offer. Another strong performance at Monza would only strengthen his case for a longer-term place on the Formula 1 grid, whether that eventually comes with Red Bull or another team. Monza has often been a place where drivers can show their skills and this tournament gives both Lawson and Tsunoda a chance to prove themselves.