Liam Lawson made a notable impression during the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix weekend as he stepped in at short notice to replace the injured Isack Hadjar at Red Bull Racing. Despite limited preparation time, Lawson adapted quickly to the Red Bull RB22 and managed to secure points in his first outing with the team this season.
Called up just before the race weekend, Lawson had only one day in the Milton Keynes simulator to familiarize himself with the RB22, a car that presented a significant challenge due to its different handling and balance compared to the Racing Bulls car he was accustomed to, even though both share the same power unit. In qualifying, Lawson was just a tenth of a second behind his teammate and four-time World Champion Max Verstappen, demonstrating a strong pace under the circumstances.
The race itself unfolded in tricky wet conditions, adding another layer of difficulty for the New Zealand driver. Verstappen’s crash at the final corner forced Lawson to take evasive action, yet he maintained composure throughout the event. Despite receiving a 10-second penalty for a yellow flag infringement, Lawson held on to seventh place, finishing comfortably between the leading pack and the midfield runners.
Red Bull Racing Team Principal Laurent Mekies praised Lawson’s performance, highlighting the difficulty of stepping into a new team and car on such short notice. Lawson himself acknowledged the challenge of adapting to the RB22’s unique characteristics, noting that it felt very different from the Racing Bulls car in terms of handling and balance. He also reflected positively on his progress during the weekend, especially compared to his brief experience with Red Bull in 2025, citing better preparation and familiarity with the tracks this time around.
The weekend showed Lawson’s ability to rise to the occasion when called upon, managing to extract solid performance despite the limited time behind the wheel of a new car. His qualifying pace close to Verstappen and the points finish under challenging conditions underline his adaptability and potential within the sport.
This outing also provided valuable experience for Lawson, who now has a clearer understanding of the demands of driving a top-tier Formula 1® car. His performance at Zandvoort adds to his growing reputation as a reliable and capable driver when opportunities arise.
Lawson’s contribution during the Dutch Grand Prix weekend reflected the team’s confidence in his abilities and the importance of having a prepared reserve driver ready to step in. The event underscored the complexities involved in adapting quickly to a different car and team environment, especially under race conditions that tested driver skill and composure.