Red Bull Extends Lawson’s Role
Red Bull Racing has confirmed that Liam Lawson will remain with the senior team in the lead-up to the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. The decision serves as a strategic contingency plan while the team monitors the recovery of regular driver Isack Hadjar, who missed the Dutch Grand Prix following a practice session wrist fracture. By keeping the 24-year-old New Zealander in the fold, Red Bull aims to ensure a seamless transition should Hadjar be deemed unfit to return to the grid in under two weeks.
Lawson’s performance at the Zandvoort circuit—finishing seventh—met team expectations, providing Red Bull with the luxury of allowing Hadjar full recovery time rather than risking a premature comeback. Internal reports suggest that while the Frenchman is optimistic about his progress, the team remains committed to a cautious approach, prioritizing long-term health over immediate participation.
Public Scrutiny and FIA Criticism
Beyond his on-track performance, Lawson has garnered attention for his candid critique of race management. Following the Dutch Grand Prix, the driver publicly questioned the FIA’s decision-making regarding the use of the safety car instead of a standard formation lap. Lawson suggested the incident involving Max Verstappen was “predictable” given the track conditions and the power of the cars on slick tires, noting that drivers had concerns prior to the start that were ultimately ignored by officials.
The Broader Struggle for a 2027 Seat
The significance of Lawson’s recent call-up extends well beyond a temporary substitution. While he continues to drive for Racing Bulls, his future within the Red Bull driver program is currently subject to high-level deliberation. Reports indicate that the decision-making power has shifted away from Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane and CEO Peter Bayer toward Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff.
As the organization evaluates its 2027 lineup, Lawson faces competition from Formula 2 championship leader Nikola Tsolov, who is reportedly being assessed for a potential promotion. With the departures of key figures like Christian Horner and Helmut Marko, the team’s recruitment philosophy is undergoing a transition, potentially signaling a less ruthless approach to driver retention, though the pressure on Lawson to prove his consistency remains acute.