Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar recently addressed the high-profile switch at Red Bull, involving Liam Lawson‘s unexpected return to Racing Bulls, replaced by Yuki Tsunoda. Despite Lawson’s promising rookie season in Formula 1, Red Bull chose Tsunoda for the position alongside the seasoned Max Verstappen, a decision made after just two race weekends. This shift occurred even after Red Bull had favored Lawson over Tsunoda at the end of 2024 to take Sergio Perez’s spot.
Hadjar, now alongside a fellow rookie rather than Tsunoda, expressed his views on this transition. When asked in Suzuka whether Lawson’s return impacts him, Hadjar reflected, “I’m not sure [it changes anything]. I don’t think so. I think it’s. We’re gonna work just fine together, and you know, I just focus on what I’m doing and I don’t need anyone special alongside to push myself to drive as fast as I can, so I don’t really. And I just know Liam is great to work with.”
The reshuffling aligns with Red Bull and its sister team’s recent participation in the Flat Out in Tokyo showrun, powered by Honda. This event featured all four drivers, including Hadjar, Lawson, Verstappen, and Tsunoda, navigating the streets of Tokyo in vehicles including the RB16B and RB7, showcasing Racing Bulls’ 2025 livery, alongside the renowned Honda RA272.
Reflecting on the showrun dynamics, Hadjar added, “I think it’s maybe [weird] for everyone except for the drivers because we know what’s going on and how hard this sport is. So, between us, there are no awkward situations at all.”
2025 marks the concluding season of Red Bull’s collaboration with Honda, culminating in the Japanese Grand Prix. To honor this milestone, a special all-white livery has been designed, celebrating the 60th anniversary of Honda’s first Formula 1 victory by Richie Ginther in the 1965 Mexican Grand Prix. This iconic victory serves as the inspiration for the remarkable new livery, embodying Honda’s enduring legacy.
The consequences of Lawson’s reassignment are still unfolding. While initially jarring, the swap underscores Red Bull’s ongoing quest for the optimal team dynamics, ensuring competitive synergy with Max Verstappen at the forefront of their strategy. The coming seasons will reveal whether this decision will pay off in heightened track performance.
