Lawson admits Hadjar could step up to Red Bull in 2026

Liam Lawson has acknowledged that Isack Hadjar is emerging as the frontrunner to join Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing in 2026.

It is a difficult admission for the 23-year-old New Zealander, who actually started the year alongside Verstappen before being dropped after only two races and moved down to Red Bull’s junior squad. There, he has been paired with fresher rookie Hadjar.

The 20-year-old Frenchman has shone in his debut campaign, even becoming France’s youngest ever F1 podium finisher just a week ago, and is now widely linked with replacing Yuki Tsunoda in the senior team.

“Yuki, Yuki, Yuki,” smiled Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko after Friday practice at Monza, stopping short of confirming Tsunoda’s fate. “I can’t tell you if he’ll be driving for us next year. He did really well this time.

"It’s also a mental challenge,” he explained, referring to the difficulty of measuring up against Verstappen. “He just has to stay calm and act normal. We hope he finishes in the top ten in qualifying.”

The longer-term focus, however, appears firmly on Hadjar’s future. “I think he’s done really well this year,” Lawson admitted of his teammate. “He was on the podium this season, which is pretty spectacular, so he’s done really well.”

Pressed on whether Hadjar is ready for the senior team, Lawson replied: “In a way, I think many drivers always feel ready for the next step. I think he’s doing everything right at the moment. But it depends, on the position of the car next year, on how the car handles. That’s probably the most important thing for that team right now.

“So there are a lot of variables, but as a driver, he’s ready. He’s ready for Formula 1. And I think if you’re ready for Formula 1, you’re also ready for that car.”

On paper, Lawson himself is still in the frame for a Red Bull Racing return, though even he downplays that idea.

“Honestly, it’s not really something I think about,” he said. “I don’t know when a decision will be made or what’s going on. We as drivers are focused on these races, that’s all I’m thinking about right now. We still have nine races left this year, and a lot can happen.”

Instead, his immediate priority is simply survival on the grid. “For me, it’s about securing a seat in Formula 1,” Lawson added. “It’s been a very hectic year after everything, so I’m more focused on securing a seat and having a good, strong second half of the season.”