Liam Lawson reveals 35-place grid penalty was planned

Liam Lawson has revealed that his 35-place grid penalty for the Italian Grand Prix was always part of Red Bull's plan, with the New Zealander focusing on race setup rather than qualifying. However, a messy qualifying session left him frustrated, as he admitted he "didn't really know what I was doing" after criticizing the team's "appalling" execution over team radio.

Why it matters:

Red Bull's decision to take the penalty at Monza allows them to introduce fresh engine components on a power-sensitive circuit without compromising Max Verstappen's race. Lawson was tasked with reaching Q3 to give Verstappen a slipstream, but a botched qualifying run meant that plan fell apart.

The details:

• Lawson will start from the back of the grid (21st) after the new components totaled a 35-place drop, with FIA rules automatically sending him to the rear.
• He was eliminated in Q2 after being impeded by Oscar Piastri at Turn 1, who received a three-place grid penalty.
• Lawson said the penalty was "planned before the weekend," explaining why Friday practice was spent on long-run pace.
• He admitted to being unsure in qualifying: "I just felt at times I didn't really know what I was doing."
• The team radio outburst was in the heat of the moment, he added.

What's next:

Lawson starts behind Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli and ahead of Williams' Alex Albon, both also carrying back-of-grid penalties. With focus already shifted to Sunday, he hopes to make progress from the rear and turn the planned strategy into points.