Montoya Urges Red Bull to Keep Lawson for Two More Races: Madrid Is 'a New Game for Everyone'

Zandvoort, Netherlands – When Isack Hadjar suffered a surprise wrist injury ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, Red Bull faced a difficult puzzle: who would replace the French driver during his recovery period? The answer came almost immediately – Liam Lawson, the team's reserve driver, was called up. But what began as a stopgap solution quickly became a major debate about the Austrian team's future. With only a single practice session before qualifying, Lawson impressed the entire paddock by closely matching Max Verstappen – one of the greatest drivers in F1 history. The race result did not disappoint either: Lawson finished seventh, securing six crucial points for the team. A near-perfect debut for a driver who was informed at the last minute. Juan Pablo Montoya, former F1 driver and now a commentator for F1 TV, has urged Red Bull to keep Lawson for at least two more races – including the new Madring circuit in Madrid. Montoya's reasoning is compelling: let Hadjar recover fully, and let Lawson be properly prepared for a race where no one has an experience advantage. This is a sharp strategic argument. At a brand-new circuit where every driver starts from zero, Hadjar's accumulated 68 points versus Lawson's 49 become almost irrelevant. Hadjar's greater experience on familiar tracks holds no value when both drivers must learn from scratch. Montoya understands this well, and he has cleverly woven it into his advice. But this story is not just about Lawson and Hadjar. Hadjar's absence has created a domino effect within Red Bull's talent pipeline: Yuki Tsunoda was promoted to replace Lawson at Racing Bulls, and Arvid Lindblad – another young talent – was also given an opportunity. Four drivers, four destinies, all disrupted by a wrist injury. Montoya also praised Tsunoda, who he says is driving with aggression and without mistakes. This further complicates Red Bull's personnel picture: if Tsunoda continues to perform at a high level, can the team afford to keep overlooking him for the second seat alongside Verstappen? Looking at the standings, the gap between Verstappen (112 points) and leader Kimi Antonelli (242 points) is 130 points – a figure reflecting Mercedes' dominance this season. In that context, Red Bull needs a stable second seat capable of scoring consistently if it wants to maintain its ambitions. Lawson has proven he can do that; Hadjar, though talented, is still recovering. Tactically, keeping Lawson for two more races is not just a safe choice but a smart move. Monza – this weekend's race – will be Lawson's second test, where he must prove that his Zandvoort performance was not a one-off stroke of luck. If Lawson continues to match Verstappen in qualifying at a completely different circuit, that would be a strong signal that his talent is real. The blind spot in Montoya's argument, if any, lies in potentially underestimating Red Bull's simulation capabilities. Top teams like Red Bull possess extremely advanced simulator systems that can quickly familiarize drivers with new circuits. Hadjar, if fully recovered, could be thoroughly prepared for Madrid through simulation sessions. However, nothing can replace real track feel, which is why Montoya's advice still carries weight. This story also raises a larger question about how Red Bull manages talent. The team's history shows no hesitation in replacing underperforming drivers – Nyck de Vries was sacked after just 10 races, Pierre Gasly was demoted to the sister team. Is Hadjar facing a similar situation? His injury could be a convenient excuse for Red Bull to make a change it had been considering for some time. Ultimately, the final decision will depend on the FIA's medical assessment. Hadjar can only return once doctors confirm he is fit. If the medical team clears him earlier than expected, Red Bull will face a difficult choice: respect the medical process or prioritize Lawson's current form. The Spanish Grand Prix at Madring will be a historic event – F1's first visit to this new circuit. It is an opportunity for Red Bull to present a polished front to European media and fans. A stable, confident lineup would be a significant advantage. And perhaps, that is the ultimate reason why Montoya's advice deserves to be heard. An empty stadium is not unusual. An empty stadium is an operating room. But even when the stands are full, decisions made in closed meeting rooms are what determine the fate of an entire team. Red Bull stands at a critical crossroads, and the answer will come within the next two weeks.