Lawson details ‘biggest challenge’ of Red Bull switch as he explains preparation for next outing in Monza

Liam Lawson has explained how having to carry out Italian Grand Prix preparation with both Red Bull and Racing Bulls has proven to be the “biggest challenge” of switching seats, with the news that he would again drive for the former not coming until Wednesday.

Lawson stepped in at the Milton Keynes-based squad last time out in Zandvoort after Isack Hadjar suffered a wrist injury prior to the event, the New Zealander going on to score points with a P7 finish in Sunday’s race.

It was then announced just before the paddock headed to Monza that Hadjar would again sit out the weekend as his rehabilitation continues, meaning that Lawson will drive alongside Max Verstappen at the team for another outing while Yuki Tsunoda gets a second opportunity in Lawson’s place at Racing Bulls.

Asked during Thursday’s media day about when he learned he would be racing for Red Bull again, Lawson responded: “Wednesday. So, for the last week, it's been sort of just waiting to see. Obviously, trying to give Isack the best chance as well for his recovery.

“But, yeah, I think in the back of my mind, I knew that obviously there was still a chance. Obviously, only being on Wednesday, it felt quite late, but we had enough time to still do a simulator session and normal prep for the weekend.”

Quizzed further on which team’s engineers he had been talking with as he carried out his preparation for the weekend, the 24-year-old said: “Both, honestly. I’ve been doing both, just to try and stay ready for both. Obviously, both teams, both cars to know.

“They're very different to drive, so it's not the easiest thing going between the two, even just in the simulator, but that's been the biggest challenge. But it's nice to finally have an answer, from Wednesday, to know that I can basically just put all my focus onto this car.”

Lawson went on to explain that the Red Bull and Racing Bulls cars are different “everywhere”, adding: “Other than the power unit, obviously, they're very different to drive.

“The main thing with the Red Bull, the high-speed grip is probably the most impressive just coming from my car. But the way they drive, the balance of the car is very, very different.

“So, yeah, without saying too much, it is a very different car to drive. Honestly, the feedback I get through the steering, everything, the way it feels, the way it moves around, it's very different.”

Despite the challenge of adapting between the two, Lawson is keen to maximise the opportunity of driving the RB22 again during the weekend ahead at Monza.

“[My mindset is to] just try and make the most of it,” he explained. “Again, I think it's an interesting position for me to be in. Zandvoort was, being a Sprint weekend, obviously quite stressful at times, but overall it was a good weekend.

“And at least now I've had that, it should be a bit easier to adjust. We also have three practice sessions here. It's a much more normal weekend, so, yeah, it's another good opportunity.”