Liam Lawson’s Resurgence Could Give Him the Edge Over Isack Hadjar in Red Bull’s 2026 Driver Puzzle
Just a few months ago, Liam Lawson appeared to be slipping out of the Formula 1 picture altogether, with serious doubts surrounding his future at Visa Cash App RB for the 2025 season. At that point, it seemed the Kiwi’s brief stint in F1 might be over for good. But heading into the summer break, Lawson’s situation looks markedly different—though the timing of the pause in racing may feel frustrating for a driver who has recently hit a rich vein of form.
After a challenging period following his removal from the Red Bull senior team, Lawson has slowly rebuilt his confidence and performance levels. In stark contrast, his replacement, Yuki Tsunoda, has endured a miserable campaign in 2025. Despite the RB21 being capable of race victories, Tsunoda finds himself languishing in 18th place in the drivers’ standings. His struggles have reignited conversations about who might partner Max Verstappen in 2026, once Formula 1’s new technical regulations come into play.
All signs point to a looming internal battle between Lawson and current teammate Isack Hadjar, with the seat at Red Bull potentially up for grabs if the team opts to drop Tsunoda. While Hadjar is widely regarded by fans as the heir apparent to Verstappen’s teammate role, his performances have yet to fully convince the Red Bull hierarchy that he is ready for such a major promotion.
Lawson, for his part, reportedly feels that he was not given a fair opportunity during his brief two-race run at Red Bull, and that former team boss Christian Horner let him down in a crucial area of support. With Horner no longer at the helm, the door may be reopening for Lawson. Laurent Mekies, who now plays a key leadership role at Visa Cash App RB and has a strong working relationship with Lawson, could become an influential ally as decisions are made for 2026.
Hadjar remains a favorite of Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, who is reportedly pushing for the Frenchman to be given the chance to replace Tsunoda. However, recent form may be shifting momentum in Lawson’s favor. Over the past five Grands Prix, Hadjar has failed to score a single point, while Lawson has managed to rack up 14. Both drivers have had a retirement during that stretch—Lawson two, Hadjar one—but the points haul significantly boosts Lawson’s case.
These statistics are particularly significant given the timing. With the summer break providing a reset period for teams and drivers alike, Lawson’s upward trajectory could not be better timed. His recent consistency and ability to capitalize on the car’s potential may put him squarely back into Red Bull’s long-term planning. If Tsunoda is dropped for 2026, Lawson’s current run of form could be the decisive factor that secures him the promotion to the senior team.
Meanwhile, the ongoing turmoil at Visa Cash App RB has had an unintended consequence: it has cast new light on the performances of former Red Bull driver Sergio Perez. The 2025 season has been especially punishing for anyone in Red Bull’s second seat, as the RB21 has proven notoriously difficult to drive consistently. Yet, during the final phase of the 2024 season, Perez routinely brought a similar car home in the points—something neither Tsunoda nor Lawson has been able to replicate with regularity this year.
This contrast has led to a shift in perception among fans and even within Red Bull itself. Some staff members are reportedly expressing a newfound appreciation for Perez, whose results in hindsight appear more impressive given the machinery he was working with. While his departure from the team was once seen as inevitable, the current performance slump has led to speculation that Perez might yet find his way back onto the grid—possibly with Cadillac—if he can make a strong case for his return.
As Red Bull continues evaluating its options for the 2026 season and beyond, Liam Lawson’s recent performances are beginning to turn heads again. With form on his side, the Kiwi may now hold a crucial advantage over Hadjar in what could be one of the most competitive and politically charged driver battles on the grid. The second Red Bull seat is no longer just a backup role—it’s a high-pressure, high-stakes proving ground. And right now, Lawson may be the one stepping up to meet the challenge.
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