Max Verstappen has stated he does not anticipate receiving a qualifying tow from Liam Lawson at the Italian Grand Prix this weekend. The four-time Formula 1 drivers’ champion confirmed he does not request such assistance from Red Bull Racing, nor does he intend to do so at Monza.
Lawson is deputising for the injured Isack Hadjar for the second consecutive Grand Prix, having also driven for Red Bull at the Dutch Grand Prix. Hadjar continues to recover from a wrist injury sustained during the summer break.
Verstappen expressed a lack of interest in strategic games during his qualifying push laps. He referenced a ‘big mess’ from previous years when drivers aggressively sought slipstreams. His focus remains on his own performance and optimising the car.
Despite Verstappen’s stance, slipstreaming is expected to be a significant factor at Monza under the current F1 regulations. The FIA has implemented a low energy harvesting limit of 5 MJ for qualifying, which is anticipated to amplify the effect of a tow.
This low energy limit contributes to reduced top speeds, making slipstreaming more advantageous for both speed and battery deployment. Following another car closely can decrease the energy required to push through the air.
Aston Martin trackside chief Mike Krack has predicted a record number of overtakes in the race and foresees Q1 being heavily influenced by drivers seeking a slipstream. Williams chief engineer Paul Williams also believes it will be a significant tactic.
Concerns exist regarding a potential repeat of the chaotic 2019 Monza qualifying session, where drivers jostled for a tow. However, new regulations mean the tow may not be as potent as in previous eras.
Other teams are considering tow strategies. Mercedes is evaluating whether Kimi Antonelli, who faces a back-of-the-grid start due to a power unit penalty, will provide a tow for George Russell. Antonelli has indicated he would comply if asked.
Ferrari also faces a potential deficit of two to three tenths in qualifying if their drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, do not cooperate on slipstream tactics. Ferrari is introducing an evolved ADUO-2 power unit this weekend.
Red Bull Racing has brought upgrades to its RB22 car for Monza. These include a revised floor body designed to enhance local load and aerodynamic stability. An updated exhaust tailpipe is also part of the package.
A new front wing with tweaked end-plate vanes will also undergo evaluation during the Italian Grand Prix weekend. Red Bull currently sits fourth in the constructors’ standings and is yet to secure a win this season.
Verstappen will sit out Free Practice 1 at Monza, with Ayumu Iwasa driving his car as part of the rookie driver programme. Verstappen will return for Free Practice 2.
Lawson, who scored points with a seventh-place finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, had to prepare for Monza with both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls due to the late confirmation of his seat.
Despite his current opportunity, Lawson’s long-term future with Red Bull Racing appears limited. Max Verstappen extended his contract until 2030, and Isack Hadjar is expected to sign an extension for the 2027 season.
