2026 Italian Grand Prix: Lawson faces grid drop

Reports ahead of the 2026 Italian Grand Prix say Liam Lawson is set for a back-of-grid penalty at Monza after Red Bull changed power unit parts.

Liam Lawson is reportedly set for a back-of-grid penalty at Monza ahead of the 2026 Italian Grand Prix. Formula1.com reported that Red Bull changed several power unit components on Lawson’s car, while Motorsport.com listed Lawson among the drivers sent to the back of the grid for power unit-related penalties, alongside Kimi Antonelli and Alex Albon.

Autosport also reported that Isack Hadjar will miss the Monza weekend as he recovers from a wrist injury, leaving Lawson in the Red Bull seat and Yuki Tsunoda back at Racing Bulls. Motorsport.com further reported that Oscar Piastri received a three-place grid penalty for impeding Lawson in qualifying.

Lawson arrived at the weekend ninth in the 2026 drivers’ championship on 49 points. The New Zealander, born on 11 February 2002, had made 44 Formula 1 starts across three teams before Monza.