The start of the 2025 Formula 1 season saw a significant shakeup in the Red Bull camp, with Liam Lawson transitioning back to Racing Bulls as Yuki Tsunoda stepped into the premier Red Bull Racing team. While this swap initially drew mixed reactions, it has allowed Liam Lawson to shine, especially against his new teammate, rookie Isack Hadjar.
At the onset of the season, Red Bull made a strategic decision to enhance car development with the more experienced Yuki Tsunoda partnering with Max Verstappen. Christian Horner highlighted that Tsunoda’s five years of F1 experience made him a key candidate for advancing the RB21. Meanwhile, Liam Lawson, despite initial challenges, notably improved his performance following his return to Racing Bulls, achieving a season-best finish of 12th.
Despite Tsunoda only managing one points finish, the move seems to have boosted the confidence of both drivers. Senior Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko recently praised both Lawson and Hadjar, offering insightful perspectives in his Speedweek column. Marko acknowledged Lawson’s speed in Jeddah, stating, “Returning driver Liam Lawson is doing well. In Jeddah, he was a touch faster than Isack Hadjar, and in the race they were more or less on par. The New Zealander has settled in.”
Isack Hadjar, quickly seen as a revelation in the championship, caught Marko’s eye by impressively managing unfamiliar circuits and delivering consistently strong lap times. His progress, as noted by Marko, represents a remarkable transition from Formula 2, where Hadjar often battled temper-related issues. Now, Hadjar maintains his composure under pressure, a critical skill for F1 success.
Lawson and Hadjar’s performances amid the swap have major implications for the team’s strategy moving forward. With improvements in both their driving and handling of the cars, Racing Bulls could become a more competitive force this season. Their bond also signifies a shift towards building a dynamic, young core ready to take on more challenging roles, potentially impacting future team configurations.
Red Bull’s decision to reconfigure their driver lineup reflects a vision directed toward maximizing team potential by pairing experience with youth. As Lawson and Hadjar continue to evolve, the expectation grows for more engaging performances that could redefine the Racing Bulls’ status in Formula 1. Such developments emphasize the intense competition and strategic maneuvers that define the sport, keeping fans eagerly anticipating the next race.
