Red Bull Racing faces a critical decision on Liam Lawson’s role as Isack Hadjar recovers from a wrist injury, with former driver Juan Pablo Montoya urging the team to retain Lawson for the Spanish GP while technical issues with the RB22 car complicate his performance.
Isack Hadjar’s recovery from a wrist injury sustained during the summer break remains uncertain, with Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies stating that the driver is unlikely to return for the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid. Madrid is over a few days, so a return then would be difficult, Mekies told Canal+. Hadjar, who has been absent since the Dutch Grand Prix, is currently sidelined for a second race weekend, with his polsblessure forcing Liam Lawson into his seat. The Frans-Algerijnse coureur blesseerde zijn pols in de zomerstop, according to source 1, and has not yet returned to competition.
Red Bull verwacht Hadjar nog niet terug in de
Red Bull aangeraden Liam Lawson te behouden voor Spaanse
Technical struggles extend beyond Lawson. Davide Valsecchi expressed concerns about Red Bull’s competitiveness, stating, Since Zandvoort, they’ve lost speed. I spoke with some Italians at Racing Bulls, and the car seems risky for Red Bull, according to source 7. Meanwhile, Racing Bulls outperformed Red Bull in Monza’s second practice, underscoring the complexity of the team’s technical challenges. Valsecchi’s comments reflect broader doubts about Red Bull’s ability to maintain its dominance amid evolving car performance.
Racing Bulls-baas biecht op dat Liam Lawson niet meer
Yuki Tsunoda’s role as a reserve driver has also drawn scrutiny. Tsunoda, who stepped into Lawson’s seat for the Dutch GP, was summoned by FIA stewards for a potential start procedure infringement during the Italian GP. On the lap 6 restart, Tsunoda appeared to park out of his grid box, leading to an investigation under Article B5.9.4 of the FIA F1 Regulations. I was a bit confused starting between 14 and 15. I didn’t really gain the position before the red flag, Tsunoda explained, per source 6. His incident highlights the high stakes of Red Bull’s current lineup decisions, as the team balances immediate performance with long-term stability.
Lawson’s future in F1 remains uncertain as Red Bull weighs its options. While his performance has been solid, the team’s technical struggles with the RB22 could influence their decision. The Nieuw-Zeelander’s points haul and experience in two different cars provide value, but his desire to return to Racing Bulls adds another layer of complexity. We’ll approach it race by race and take a more rational approach, Mekies said, emphasizing the team’s focus on Hadjar’s full recovery before making any final decisions. Meanwhile, Racing Bulls’ interest in Nikola Tsolov, a Formula Two driver, suggests potential shifts in the team’s strategy.
As the Spanish GP approaches, Red Bull must balance short-term performance with long-term stability. For Lawson, the next few weeks will determine whether he remains a key figure in the team’s future or transitions back to Racing Bulls. The team’s handling of Hadjar’s injury, technical challenges, and lineup decisions will shape its prospects in the season. With Madrid’s inaugural GP looming, the pressure on Red Bull to navigate these challenges grows, as the stakes for both the team and its drivers reach their peak.
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