Lawson’s Red Bull role confirmed ahead of Italian GP after days of uncertainty

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Liam Lawson faced an unusual preparation challenge ahead of this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, having to familiarise himself with two distinctly different Formula One cars while waiting to discover which team he would represent.

The uncertainty was finally resolved on Wednesday when Red Bull confirmed that Lawson would remain with the senior team for a second consecutive race.

The New Zealander has been drafted in to replace injured French rookie Isack Hadjar, who will miss the Monza round as he continues his recovery.

Yuki Tsunoda, meanwhile, will take Lawson’s place at Red Bull’s sister team, Racing Bulls, continuing his role as the substitute driver for the second successive weekend.

Lawson admitted that the uncertainty had forced him to maintain close contact with both sets of engineers since stepping in at last month’s Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort.

Asked which engineering group he had primarily been working with, Lawson said he had deliberately kept both options open while awaiting Red Bull’s decision.
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