Liam Lawson hints at Red Bull tactics after mixed Italian GP opening day

Liam Lawson has hinted at Red Bull employing tactics in qualifying at this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, following a mixed opening day.

Once again, the Milton Keynes-based outfit failed to challenge the top teams, with Lawson ending first practice in a promising fourth but then 12th in second practice.

Even Max Verstappen had to settle for ninth in FP2, with Racing Bulls and Haas both ahead of Red Bull on Friday.

In Lawson’s case, the New Zealander, who is again replacing Isack Hadjar due to the Frenchman being injured, spent the afternoon focusing on long-run data.

It was in the race at Zandvoort where Lawson struggled the most, with Red Bull opting to spend more time focusing on race data rather than qualifying simulations.

"Yeah, I mean, it was okay," said Lawson, assessing his day. "It’s been, I would say, a productive day. 

"We spent most of FP2 just long running, so we did a short run at the start, and it felt okay. And then we just did two long runs on the soft and the hard. 

"So, for me, it’s good learning. I think we struggled more—I struggled more—in Zandvoort in the race versus qualifying. So, I’ll try and learn what I can from it."

What became clear on the opening day was the significance of the tow at Monza, more so than usual at the legendary Italian circuit.

Based on that, Red Bull is set to discuss its own tactics for qualifying, with Lawson hinting that a "plan" will be made.

Asked if tactics with the two would be employed by Red Bull, Lawson responded: "I mean, for sure, it’s something we’ll discuss, and we’ll come up with a plan."