Today, Red Bull confirmed that Hadjar is missing Monza. Lawson will drive in his place, and we get Yuki on the grid again driving for Racing Bulls. Nobody planned this, and it's turning into the most consequential stretch of Lawson's season.
Red Bull posted that Liam will drive with Max while Isack continues to recover. They added they're closely monitoring his rehabilitation and that they won't take any unnecessary risks with his return. There is currently no word on whether he will drive in Madrid next week, but I have high hopes.
In Zandvoort, Lawson qualified eighth, one place behind Verstappen. He finished seventh and scored Red Bull's only points that weekend, since Verstappen crashed out of his home race on lap one. He held that seventh place despite a ten-second time penalty for failing to slow under yellow flags. Lawson said Zandvoort gave him a useful first reference in the car, and that a full sprint weekend means he's going into Monza knowing what he needs from it.
Lawson's contract only covers 2026. So do Hadjar's and Lindblad's. Verstappen is the only Red Bull driver signed beyond this year. Lawson currently sits ninth on 49 points, 26 clear of his rookie teammate Lindblad.
But there's a complication. Nikola Tsolov is currently leading the F2 championship with six wins, and he's already tested a Racing Bulls car at Imola. Permane said he's "next in line." Reporting suggests Racing Bulls are leaning toward keeping Lawson and Lindblad for 2027, but nothing is confirmed yet.
Hadjar is eighth with 68 points, and he can't defend it. Lawson is filling a seat that may not be his to keep. Neither of them chose this, and both of their 2027s depend on the next few weekends.