Red Bull Racing has acknowledged Liam Lawson’s significant contribution as a mentor to Isack Hadjar during his debut Formula 1 season. As the 2026 campaign approaches, Hadjar aims to become the teammate to Max Verstappen that Red Bull has long anticipated, filling a challenging role many before him—including Lawson—have struggled to secure.
Although Lawson’s stint at Red Bull’s main team was brief, with just two races before his return to the Racing Bulls squad and replacement by Yuki Tsunoda, his involvement behind the scenes has been viewed positively by the team.
Early Testing and Team Changes Shape 2026 F1 Lineups
Lawson’s initial experience in Formula 1 faced setbacks when he was supplanted by Tsunoda, who himself could not meet the team’s expectations. Consequently, Red Bull is turning its hopes to Isack Hadjar, whose performances and consistent qualifying results have garnered attention, leading to a major role in the upcoming season. The new regulations and a revamped car for 2026 are expected to offer Hadjar a fair opportunity to rival Verstappen on an even playing field.
Behind the Scenes: Lawson’s Mentorship Elevates Hadjar’s Development
As Tsunoda’s difficulties with the RB21 materialized, Hadjar emerged as the promising choice for the 2026 season. Confirmed late last year, the young French driver earned a promotion after impressive outings, highlighted by his podium finish at Zandvoort. According to a New Zealand Herald report, Lawson has been acting as Hadjar’s unofficial mentor, providing guidance and support throughout the rookie’s first season.
Lawson’s presence as a respected senior figure within the Red Bull structure has been a key factor in his retention, especially when the team chose him over Tsunoda to partner Arvid Lindblad in the Racing Bulls for this year. While Lawson remains competitive, striving to surpass the younger British driver, his value as a mentor maintains his relevance on the Formula 1 grid.
Despite some skepticism from figures like Jolyon Palmer regarding Lawson’s readiness to lead Racing Bulls, Red Bull’s internal assessment has been more optimistic about his experience and role.
Emerging Talent Arvid Lindblad Joins Lawson in Racing Bulls Amid 2026 Preparations
Looking ahead, reports suggest the chance of Lawson returning to the main Red Bull team is minimal, with the organization aiming to maintain a stable driver lineup of Hadjar and Verstappen under Laurent Mekies’ supervision. However, incidents such as Hadjar’s crash during testing in Barcelona and Verstappen’s expressed concerns about the upcoming regulation changes have reinforced Red Bull’s need for capable backups.
Arvid Lindblad, who is showing “incredible potential” according to Red Bull sources, has been increasingly impressive in the paddock and is believed to be approaching Lawson’s level. This sets the stage for a compelling rivalry within Racing Bulls, especially as Lawson adapts his testing approach compared to his Formula 1 adversaries.
With anticipation building toward the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, observers are keen to see if Lawson’s unique driving style will yield success amid the shifting dynamics of the 2026 season.
