F1 Today | Lawson-Hadjar call confirmed as Verstappen steps aside at Monza

There will be no return to the Red Bull cockpit for Isack Hadjar at Monza, with Liam Lawson retaining the seat alongside Max Verstappen for the Italian Grand Prix. Hadjar has been recovering from the wrist fracture that prevented him from competing at Zandvoort and had hoped to be ready in time for the next round. However, following further medical assessments on Wednesday, Red Bull concluded that the Frenchman has not recovered sufficiently to take part. Lawson will consequently remain with the senior team for another weekend after being called up at short notice in the Netherlands.

The decision also has consequences further down the Red Bull driver line-up, as Yuki Tsunoda will once again take Lawson's place at Racing Bulls alongside Arvid Lindblad. Attention will now turn to Hadjar's recovery and whether he can return for the following round in Madrid, which takes place only one week after Monza. No comeback date has yet been established, while the characteristics of the Madring – including a significant banked corner – could provide an additional physical test for a driver recovering from a wrist injury.

Red Bull faces an unusual start to its Italian Grand Prix weekend, with Max Verstappen not scheduled to drive the RB22 until Friday afternoon. Ayumu Iwasa will take his place during FP1 at Monza, giving the Japanese driver the opening hour of track running before the Dutchman returns for the second practice session. It means Verstappen will have less time than usual to get up to speed as he looks for a response following his failure to finish at Zandvoort.

Once back in the car, Verstappen's focus will be firmly on understanding whether Red Bull can emerge as a genuine contender at the Temple of Speed. The team's potential remains difficult to assess before the first laps are completed, particularly after the performance limitations encountered during the previous weekend. Improving the RB22's balance and finding the extra pace needed to reduce the deficit to the front will form an important part of Friday's programme.

There is some encouragement for Verstappen in Red Bull's previous performances at Monza, but he is not allowing that history to shape his expectations for this year's race.