Lawson faces back-of-grid start for Italian Grand Prix

Lawson has once again been called up to race for Red Bull at Monza, having already replaced Isack Hadjar at Zandvoort after the Frenchman was sidelined through a wrist injury. With Hadjar still not fit enough to return to the cockpit, the New Zealander will contest a second consecutive Grand Prix in his place, as it remains to be seen whether Hadjar will recover in time to make his comeback at next weekend’s Madrid Grand Prix.

Lawson will not be the only driver starting from the back of the grid at Monza, with Alex Albon and Kimi Antonelli also set to line up at the rear for the Italian Grand Prix after exceeding their permitted allocation of components.

Verstappen could therefore potentially benefit from his teammate’s help in qualifying, with Lawson able to provide him with a tow in Q3 should he reach the final segment. With Lawson already set to start from the back of the grid, his own qualifying position will carry less significance.

Mercedes tested a similar slipstream tactic during FP3, with Kimi Antonelli providing George Russell with a tow that helped the Briton on his lap. It remains to be seen whether the team will attempt the same strategy when qualifying gets underway shortly.

Lawson, meanwhile, endured a relatively underwhelming FP3, finishing outside the top 10 in 12th place. The New Zealander ended the session almost a second behind teammate Verstappen, who showed much stronger pace to finish third.