Liam Lawson has recently completed a three-race substitute stint with Red Bull Racing, stepping in for the injured Isack Hadjar. His performances during this period have drawn attention as he managed to score points twice and demonstrated a pace closer to Red Bull’s lead driver, Max Verstappen, despite limited preparation time.
Lawson’s return to Racing Bulls, Red Bull’s sister team, follows his earlier appearances for Red Bull Racing in 2025. After racing two events for the factory team that year, he was moved back to Racing Bulls, where he secured points in seven races and shared the season with rookie teammate Arvid Lindblad. In the current 2026 season, Lawson has consistently outperformed Lindblad and contributed to Racing Bulls’ pursuit of their best-ever fifth place in the Teams' Championship.
The recent substitute role at Red Bull Racing saw Lawson finish seventh in the Netherlands and sixth in Spain, narrowing the gap to Verstappen in both qualifying and race pace. Red Bull Sporting Director Laurent Mekies praised Lawson’s adaptability, calmness, and focus during these appearances, highlighting his ability to handle the pressure of stepping into a top-tier seat on short notice.
Currently, Lawson sits 12 points and one position behind Hadjar in the drivers’ standings and three places behind Verstappen. Despite his strong showings, he is not expected to secure a full-time seat with Red Bull Racing in the near future. However, his performances have improved his standing within the Red Bull family and reinforced his value as a reliable and competitive driver.
Looking ahead, Lawson faces competition for his Racing Bulls seat from Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov, who is leading the Formula 2 championship. Racing Bulls possess a competitive car capable of scoring points across various circuits, which positions Lawson well to continue his development and contribute to the team’s efforts in the 2026 season.
Lawrence Barretto’s reflections on Lawson’s situation underline the driver’s steady progress and the challenges that lie ahead. While a full-time promotion to Red Bull Racing remains unlikely for now, Lawson’s recent performances have demonstrated his capability to compete at a high level when called upon. His return to Racing Bulls will be closely watched as the team aims to maintain its position in the championship.