Max Verstappen Reveals Why He Never Asks Liam Lawson for Help

Max Verstappen rules out requesting a qualifying tow at Monza, despite the potential benefits under the 2026 power-unit constraints. He intends to execute clean laps without orchestrated slipstream help.

Liam Lawson steps in for the injured Isack Hadjar, but Red Bull is not expected to deploy him as a tow provider. As confirmed, Lawson replaces Hadjar at Monza.

“I just want to do my laps and try and get the car in a good window.”Slipstreaming can be valuable at the Temple of Speed, cutting drag and boosting terminal speed. But tightly packed qualifying runs often create traffic, overheating, and messy preparation laps.

This year’s rules cap energy harvesting to 5MJ in qualifying and 7MJ in the race. That curbs peak deployment on Monza’s long straights, increasing the strategic value of an efficient tow.

However, teams must balance any tow against track position, tyre prep, and battery deployment. Verstappen remains sceptical of running cars nose-to-tail after chaotic tow trains in previous seasons.

2026 regulations cap energy harvesting to 5MJ in qualifying and 7MJ in the race at Monza.He won’t ask for a teammate’s assistance and leaves any such calls to the pit wall. Verstappen frames tows as occasion-specific tools, not a default qualifying approach.

That extends to Lawson’s programme, with Verstappen not urging Racing Bulls to support him directly. He has previously deferred such matters to team management and the Racing Bulls decision.

Qualifying on September 6 should spotlight energy management and lap preparation more than outright top speed. Expect mixed strategies as teams weigh clean air against opportunistic tows.

Italian Grand Prix qualifying on September 6 will test energy management more than pure top speed.Red Bull targets robust execution without tow dependencies, while monitoring run plans to avoid traffic. Verstappen’s focus remains controllable variables: tyre prep, brake temperatures, and deployment timing.

For Lawson, priorities include acclimatising quickly and maximising his own package without compromising runs. That mirrors the emphasis outlined in Lawson’s biggest challenge and his late call-up timeline.

“I never ask things to the team, and I leave it up to them for these kinds of things.”

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