Red Bull faces big test at Monza: Hadjar injured, Lawson unexpectedly promoted, Tsunoda returns

When I heard Isack Hadjar had suffered a wrist injury, I immediately thought of what happened at Zandvoort. Liam Lawson, the young New Zealander, replaced Hadjar at Racing Bulls and finished 7th – a result far exceeding expectations. Now, ahead of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Red Bull has made a bold decision: Lawson will continue his promotion, but this time to the main team, alongside Max Verstappen. Meanwhile, Yuki Tsunoda, who had been with Racing Bulls for years, will return to the old team to replace Lawson. This reshuffle is not just a temporary personnel change. It exposes the depth of Red Bull's talent development system – one of the most efficient driver production lines in F1 history. Hadjar, the 21-year-old Frenchman, was having a promising 2026 season at Racing Bulls. However, a wrist injury during a practice session forced him to sit out. Red Bull, instead of rushing him back, chose caution: let Hadjar rest completely and skip the Italian Grand Prix. This decision reflects a clear management philosophy: driver health always comes first, even if it means accepting risks in race results. But it also raises a bigger question: can Lawson capitalize on this opportunity to establish his position in the race for a long-term race seat? At Zandvoort, Lawson proved he is not just a reserve driver. Starting from 8th, he gained one position to finish 7th – a result even veteran drivers would dream of in their first replacement appearance. What's more impressive is how he matched Verstappen's pace in qualifying sessions, showing remarkable race-reading ability and tire management skills. Tsunoda, the Japanese driver, was no less impressive. He finished 11th at Zandvoort, just missing out on points. Returning to Racing Bulls is not a demotion, but a tactical flexibility. In a system where every driver is trained to replace each other at any time, Tsunoda remains an invaluable asset. Looking at the bigger picture, what impresses me most is Red Bull's smooth operation during the crisis. No panic, no shocking statements. Just a contingency plan executed perfectly. Lawson was promoted to the main team, Tsunoda returned to his old position, and Arvid Lindblad – the youngest talent in the academy – was given an opportunity at Racing Bulls. But this story is not just about Red Bull. It's also a signal for the 2026 driver market. Lawson, with his impressive performance at Zandvoort, has become a strong candidate for the second Red Bull seat – a position currently held by Sergio Perez, who faces increasing pressure. If Lawson continues to perform well in upcoming races, Red Bull may have to make a difficult decision. As for Hadjar, this could be a temporary setback but also an opportunity for reflection. Injury is an inevitable part of sport, but how a driver overcomes it is the true measure of character. When he returns, he will face a new reality: Lawson has moved ahead in Red Bull's priority order, and the race for a race seat will be more intense than ever. At Monza, the temple of speed, all eyes will be on Lawson. He will drive the RB20 – a machine designed to win – alongside Verstappen, the championship leader. The pressure is immense, but it is that same pressure that creates stars. I hear the engines roaring in the Monza night, and I know this weekend will be more than just a race. It will be a test of courage, preparation, and the ability to seize opportunities when they come. Lawson had a perfect start at Zandvoort. The question is: can he turn this opportunity into a career-defining moment? Red Bull has shown they are masters of talent management. But even masters face difficult decisions. With three promising young drivers – Hadjar, Lawson, and Lindblad – competing for limited seats, Red Bull will have to make crucial choices in the next 12 months. For the fans, this weekend at Monza will be a feast of emotions. They will witness a young talent given an opportunity, a veteran driver returning home, and a champion continuing his quest. That's the beauty of F1 – where everything can change in an instant. Remember the name Liam Lawson. Because at Monza, he might write one of the most memorable stories of the 2026 season.