As Liam Lawson looks ahead to the 2026 season with Racing Bulls, he will be working alongside a new race engineer, marking a significant change for the New Zealand driver. This transition follows a challenging 2025 campaign during which Lawson was demoted from Red Bull and collaborated with Ernesto Desiderio for much of the season.
Initially, the switch to Desiderio made strategic sense, especially since it involved a swap with Yuki Tsunoda. However, recent reports from RacingNews365 reveal Racing Bulls’ decision to promote Alexandre Iliopoulos, a long-serving team member, into the race engineer role. Iliopoulos has been integral to the team’s technical department for nearly ten years, rising to senior performance engineer before this new appointment.
The Significance of Lawson’s Relationship with His Former Engineer
The reasoning behind Lawson’s switch in engineers has not been disclosed, yet the change could prove demanding for the driver, who built a strong rapport with Desiderio. Radio exchanges after the São Paulo Grand Prix highlighted their connection, particularly when Lawson secured P7 by expertly managing a daring one-stop tire strategy that outpaced competitors on fresher tires, including teammate Isack Hadjar.
Desiderio praised his driver with admiration:
That is a masterclass… Minister of Defence of New Zealand, Liam Lawson.
—Ernesto Desiderio, Racing Bulls Race Engineer
Despite a turbulent 2025 that saw Lawson’s much-anticipated move to Red Bull falter, Racing Bulls gradually rebuilt his confidence and performance. Lawson’s consistent form in the latter half of the year culminated in points finishes in seven of the last seventeen Grands Prix, showcasing his resilience.
End-of-Season Reflections Highlight Lawson’s Determination
Following the final race of the 2025 season in Abu Dhabi, Desiderio commended Lawson’s fighting spirit and contributions to the team’s sixth-place finish in the Constructors’ Championship. Their post-race communication underscored mutual respect and appreciation.
Desiderio expressed:
“I know it’s not the way we want to finish the season, mate [P18], but just the big thank you from my side and from everyone back here for the P6 and the super valuable points we collected through the year. We’ve gone through thick and thin, but with you, there’s always a chance. You’re a fighter, mate. Thank you very much.”
Lawson replied with gratitude:
Thank you for the good job, to everybody. Congrats on P6. Obviously, we achieved what we set out to do this weekend. So, yeah, well done. Thank you.
—Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls Driver
Memorable Moments from Lawson’s 2025 Campaign
Arguably the pinnacle of Lawson’s season came during qualifying at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he secured an unexpected P3 start on a challenging, wind-affected track littered with crashes. This performance marked a career personal best.
The enduring camaraderie between Lawson and Desiderio was once again evident after the session, with an exchange brimming with praise and encouragement:
Desiderio:
That was lovely mate. Very well done. That turn one, my god!
—Ernesto Desiderio, Racing Bulls Race Engineer
Lawson:
Oh dude, three-tenths just like that!
—Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls Driver
Desiderio:
That’s it, that’s what we do. Every inches, every inches.
—Ernesto Desiderio, Racing Bulls Race Engineer
Lawson:
Well done guys, thank you so much. A lot of work to get to this point in this weekend, so thank you.
—Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls Driver
Desiderio:
I’m so proud of you, man. Well done.
—Ernesto Desiderio, Racing Bulls Race Engineer
Lawson:
Thanks man, I don’t even know what to say.
—Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls Driver
Desiderio:
Say nothing. You’ve done it all. Say something in the microphone in a minute.
—Ernesto Desiderio, Racing Bulls Race Engineer
Future Outlook for Lawson and Racing Bulls’ Collaboration
The upcoming change in race engineers represents a new chapter for Liam Lawson as he seeks to build on his promising performances amid Formula 1’s intense competition. With Alexandre Iliopoulos stepping into the role, Lawson will be supported by a seasoned team member familiar with Racing Bulls’ inner workings, offering stability and fresh perspectives.
This shift arrives with cautious optimism, as Lawson’s determination and passion remain evident throughout his career’s most testing period. His history of resilience and ability to adapt will be critical in forging a successful partnership with Iliopoulos, potentially enabling Lawson to reach new heights in Formula 1 performance.
