Lawson gets another Red Bull outing with Hadjar sidelined again

Lawson gets another Red Bull outing with Hadjar sidelined again

Red Bull Formula 1 driver Isack Hadjar will remain on the sidelines for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, with Liam Lawson continuing to deputise.

Hadjar, who was absent from the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort due to a wrist fracture, is known to be taking a cautious approach to his recovery - having sought advice from MotoGP legend Marc Marquez, who endured career-changing complications after trying to return too soon from an arm break in 2020.

Red Bull said it is "closely monitoring" Hadjar's rehabilitation and that, despite "encouraging progress", it "will take no unnecessary risks with his return".

"It's good to hear Isack is recovering well and is back in the car soon, but it's great to have another weekend with the team," said Lawson, who was reasonably competitive on his first outing in the RB22 at Zandvoort, placing seventh in the grand prix.

"Zandvoort gave me a really useful first reference in the car, and having a full sprint weekend behind me means I'm coming into Monza with a much better understanding of the car and what I need from it."

Lawson will drive the full weekend schedule, while Max Verstappen will cede his RB22 to Ayumu Iwasa as part of the season-long obligation to tick off four rookie practice outings.

Like at Zandvoort, Yuki Tsunoda will replace Lawson in his usual Racing Bulls car.