Racing Bulls Knew Liam Lawson Would Shine in the 2026 Red Bull
Liam Lawson's stint at Red Bull, stepping in for the injured Isack Hadjar, showcased his growth and adaptability. His performance, particularly in managing the car's energy demands, impressed engineers who had anticipated his potential success.
Liam Lawson’s temporary promotion to Red Bull, after Isack Hadjar's wrist injury, came with its fair share of uncertainties. Lawson had been making waves at Racing Bulls, leading the midfield with 43 points before the summer break. This was a pivotal moment for him, as a poor performance could have undone his hard-earned reputation. The fear was that if he again lagged significantly behind Max Verstappen, as he had during a previous two-race stint in 2025, it would cast him as a competent but unexceptional midfield driver.
However, Lawson rose to the occasion. In three races, he scored 14 points. His tally could have been higher if not for an engine penalty and an unfortunate front-wing damage incident at Monza. Impressively, he reduced his time gap to Verstappen from nearly a second to within three-tenths.
Racing Bulls had observed a transformation in Lawson from the outset of 2026. Despite the challenges of the new regulations, he adapted and uncovered strategies to maximize the Red Bull engine's performance. His engineers had witnessed this determination and improvement, predicting his smooth transition into the demanding Red Bull car.
During a track walk in Melbourne, Lawson was already pinpointing how to manage his energy efficiently, a skill that Verstappen noted as crucial for competitiveness in the 2026 cars. While other drivers, like Lando Norris and George Russell, found the cars harder to drive, Lawson seemed to thrive.
Though Hadjar is set to return in 2027, Lawson's impressive stint may influence Racing Bulls' future decisions. The current expectation is that Lawson will continue with Arvid Lindblad, while Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov may have to wait for his chance.
Lawson’s performance underlined what Racing Bulls engineers had anticipated all along: his ability to adapt quickly and effectively, even under pressure. This bodes well for his future, as he continues to prove himself as a valuable asset to the team.