Liam Lawson has recently drawn positive attention for his performances while stepping in for the injured Isack Hadjar at Oracle Red Bull Racing during the 2026 Formula 1® season. His recent outings, including the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, have shown marked progress compared to his earlier appearances with the team.
Lawson took over driving duties for Hadjar for three race weekends, including events at Zandvoort, Monza, and Madrid. Over this period, he managed to secure a seventh-place finish at Zandvoort and improved to sixth in Madrid, contributing valuable points for Red Bull. These results stand out especially when compared to his 2025 substitute appearances, where he did not score points and qualified lower on the grid.
Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies has praised Lawson’s recent stint as “very strong,” highlighting the driver’s ability to adapt quickly to a new car and team environment. Mekies noted Lawson’s calmness and focus, as well as his straightforward approach to working with the team and extracting performance from the car. This assessment reflects Lawson’s growth over the past year and a half, which Mekies believes has played a significant role in the improved results.
Lawson’s qualifying performances have also shown progress, with two eighth-place starts during his recent outings, excluding Monza where grid penalties affected his position. Mekies acknowledged that Lawson’s increased experience has helped him handle the challenges of racing with Red Bull’s car and team dynamics more effectively than in his initial appearances.
Despite these encouraging signs, it remains unclear whether Lawson will continue to substitute for Hadjar, who is still recovering from a wrist injury. The team has not confirmed any long-term plans regarding Lawson’s role beyond the current stand-in arrangement.
Overall, Mekies’ evaluation underscores Lawson’s adaptability and steady improvement in a demanding environment. His recent performances have been a positive contribution to Oracle Red Bull Racing during Hadjar’s absence, reflecting both the driver’s development and the team’s support during this period.