Red Bull keeps same line-up for Monza: Hadjar still injured, Lawson continues

Red Bull Racing has confirmed it will keep the same driver line-up for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza this weekend, with Liam Lawson continuing to replace Isack Hadjar alongside Max Verstappen. The decision was made after Hadjar failed to fully recover from an injury sustained during the Zandvoort weekend two weeks ago. The team stated they did not want to take unnecessary risks with the 22-year-old French driver's health, despite earlier hopes he would be ready for the Italian round. During the summer break, Hadjar suffered an injury that forced him to miss the Dutch GP. Lawson was promoted from Racing Bulls to fill the seat, while Yuki Tsunoda was recalled to the Racing Bulls line-up to replace Lawson. At Zandvoort, both impressed: Lawson finished seventh from eighth on the grid, and Tsunoda crossed the line 11th, just outside the points. Crucially, both drivers stayed close to their respective teammates in qualifying – a positive signal for Red Bull management. At Monza, the line-up remains unchanged. Lawson continues in the #2 RB22, Verstappen in the #1 car, Tsunoda returns to the VCARB 03 alongside rookie Arvid Lindblad. A notable addition is Ayumu Iwasa – the Japanese reserve driver – who will replace Verstappen for opening practice (FP1) to fulfill one of the team's four mandatory rookie sessions under the 2026 sporting regulations. Strategically, Monza is a high-speed, low-downforce circuit – completely different from Zandvoort's tight, banked corners. This is a real test of Lawson's adaptability. If he performs well again, his case for a permanent Red Bull seat in 2027 becomes very strong. Conversely, Hadjar is losing ground: every race he misses is a race where Lawson accumulates comparative data in the RB22. Tsunoda continues to play the role of the system's utility player. Despite being repeatedly passed over for a senior seat, he remains a reliable backup. His P11 at Zandvoort accurately reflects the VCARB 03's midfield capability – a car not yet consistently competitive for points. The fact that Arvid Lindblad kept his Racing Bulls seat while Tsunoda was shuffled suggests the team prioritizes the Swedish rookie's development. Iwasa's FP1 outing is also a notable market signal. Red Bull is evaluating another Japanese driver, given Tsunoda's long tenure and the historical ties with Honda. Having two Japanese drivers in the system is a strategic advantage. However, no contractual commitment has been made; this is simply an opportunity for Iwasa to gain experience and increase his market value. Overall, the decision to keep the line-up unchanged at Monza is medically and operationally sound. But it also reveals a harsh reality: in F1, opportunities come and go very quickly. Hadjar is paying a career price for an unintended injury. Can he regain his position upon return? The answer will depend on Lawson's performance at Monza and beyond. The 2026 season is still long, but the internal Red Bull battle has entered a decisive phase. Lawson holds the advantage, Hadjar is losing momentum, and Tsunoda remains a strategic asset. Monza will be the next flashpoint in this story.