Daily News 19

Tag: Liam Lawson

  • Liam Lawson Baffled by Arvid Lindblad Baku Clash: ‘I Just Don’t Understand,’ ‘Sucks for Our Race’

    Liam Lawson Baffled by Arvid Lindblad Baku Clash: ‘I Just Don’t Understand,’ ‘Sucks for Our Race’

    Key Highlights

    • Racing Bulls teammates Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad collided at Turn 1 on the Azerbaijan Grand Prix restart, ending Lawson’s points hopes while Lindblad recovered to finish P7.
    • Lindblad’s P7 finish, just 0.030s ahead of Esteban Ocon, delivered crucial midfield points as Alpine rivals Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto retired in a separate intra-team collision.
    • Both drivers acknowledged the team lacked pace all weekend, with Lawson admitting “they were much quicker than us” and Lindblad calling it “damage limitation” on a difficult weekend.

    Teammates Clash on Restart as Racing Bulls Salvage Points in Baku

    A promising double-points opportunity for Racing Bulls unraveled in chaotic fashion at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix when teammates Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad made contact on the Safety Car restart. The incident occurred as both drivers, having recovered from Q2 elimination to run in the top ten on fresh tires, approached Turn 1 three abreast. Lindblad, diving down the inside, tagged the rear of Lawson’s car and sent the New Zealander spinning into the run-off area.

    Lawson Left Searching for Answers After “Smoked” Move

    Lawson, who ultimately finished P12 after sustaining floor damage, was visibly perplexed by his rookie teammate’s decision-making. Asked for his view on the incident, he said: “I need to watch it. We were all coming into Turn 1 on the restart and I just got smoked from my left. It put a hole in my floor as well.

    “I don’t really know what gap he was looking for in the middle of both of us going into Turn 1 – I just don’t understand it. Obviously great points for the team but it sucks for our race.”

    The 22-year-old’s frustration was understandable: both cars had capitalized on the Safety Car to vault into points contention, only for the intra-team collision to halve the team’s potential haul.

    Lindblad Defends Move Amid “Absolute Mess” at Turn 1

    Lindblad, 19, offered a different perspective on the frenzied restart sequence. He believed the poorly bunched field left him with no viable alternative. Lindblad, meanwhile, believed that he had nowhere else to go, as he explained: “At the back where we were, we’d gone about three times on the straight before we actually went because the field wasn’t bunched up well at all.

    “It was just an absolute mess going into Turn 1. Everyone was moving a lot. Obviously a bit of a shame to hit Liam but if you see the incident, you can see there’s not much I could’ve done. I came and immediately apologised to him, and obviously I apologised to the team because there could’ve been two of us up there today.”

    The rookie managed to continue without terminal damage, eventually passing Haas’ Esteban Ocon over the finish line by a minuscule 0.030 seconds to secure P7 — a result that proved pivotal in the constructors’ battle.

    Why This Matters: Midfield Swing in Racing Bulls’ Favor

    The Baku outcome represents a significant swing in the tight midfield championship fight. While Racing Bulls lost a likely double-points finish, Lindblad’s P7 — combined with the double retirement of Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto following their own teammate collision at nearly the same moment — handed Racing Bulls a net gain in the constructors’ standings. Both Alpine drivers retired with damage after contact between them, amplifying the value of Lindblad’s solitary point-scoring finish.

    Perhaps more concerning for Racing Bulls is the admitted pace deficit. Lawson was blunt in his post-race assessment: “We got very lucky today – they were much quicker than us and they have been all weekend. We need to try and turn it around next week.” Lindblad echoed the sentiment, describing the weekend as “very difficult” with struggles to escape Q1, and framing the result as “damage limitation when you’re struggling on a weekend.” The team’s ability to extract points despite lacking raw speed speaks to operational execution, but the underlying performance gap remains a priority for the upcoming Singapore round.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What caused the collision between Lawson and Lindblad in Baku?

    On the Safety Car restart, Lindblad attempted an inside pass at Turn 1 while three cars were abreast. He made contact with the rear of Lawson’s car, spinning the New Zealander into the run-off area and damaging his floor. Lawson dropped to P12; Lindblad continued to finish P7.

    How did the Alpine collision affect the constructors’ standings battle?

    Alpine teammates Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto collided at nearly the same time as the Racing Bulls incident, resulting in both cars retiring. With Alpine scoring zero points and Racing Bulls securing six points via Lindblad’s P7, the Baku weekend delivered a meaningful swing in the midfield championship fight.

    What did the drivers say about Racing Bulls’ pace deficit?

    Both drivers acknowledged the car lacked competitiveness all weekend. Lawson stated: “We got very lucky today – they were much quicker than us and they have been all weekend.” Lindblad called it “a very difficult weekend” and “damage limitation,” emphasizing the need to understand why they “haven’t been faster” before the next race in Singapore.

  • Racing Bulls’ Mixed Fortunes: Liam Lawson Returns, Arvid Lindblad Crashes in 2026 Azerbaijan GP Practice

    Racing Bulls’ Mixed Fortunes: Liam Lawson Returns, Arvid Lindblad Crashes in 2026 Azerbaijan GP Practice

    Key Highlights

    • Liam Lawson returns to Racing Bulls after a three-race stint at Red Bull, finishing 12th in FP2 and targeting a top-10 qualifying spot.
    • Rookie Arvid Lindblad crashed heavily in FP2 at the castle section, bringing out red flags and causing significant right-side damage to his car.
    • Team Principal Alan Permane refused to punish Lindblad, calling it “rookie enthusiasm” and emphasizing support over criticism.

    Lawson Returns to Familiar Surroundings as Racing Bulls Reset in Baku

    Racing Bulls experienced a Thursday of contrasting fortunes on the streets of Baku, with Liam Lawson settling back into the squad after his temporary promotion to Red Bull Racing while rookie Arvid Lindblad learned a harsh lesson on the unforgiving Azerbaijan circuit. The New Zealander completed a solid FP1 in seventh place before slipping to 12th in the afternoon session, while the British youngster’s day ended prematurely against the barriers.

    Lindblad’s Rookie Error Brings Out Red Flags

    The second practice session told a dramatically different story for the team’s newest addition. Twenty minutes into FP2, Lindblad clouted the walls through the castle section, bringing out the red flags and causing significant damage to the right-hand side of his machinery. The incident echoed his previous FP2 crash in Madrid, raising questions about his adaptation to street circuits. The British driver radioed his team to apologise, saying he’d just clipped the wall by a millimetre. He also faced a scary moment earlier in the session when the Ferrari of Lewis Hamilton suddenly appeared in front of him in the final sector while he was on a hot lap, forcing him to take avoiding action.

    Permane Offers Support Over Punishment for Young Driver

    Speaking after the session, Team Principal Alan Permane made it clear he would not come down hard on his rookie. “It’s not the time to come down on him like a ton of bricks, it’s the time to support him. It was a millimetre. It’s a bit of a shame. It’s certainly not the right time to crash like that, if that was Q3 and he was absolutely going for it, you can understand it. But it’s a little bit of ‘the car was feeling good’. I think it’s just a little bit of rookie enthusiasm, but nothing more than that.” Permane added that Lindblad was looking quick on that lap and the team are going to take that as a positive going into the rest of the event.

    Welcome Return for Lawson After Red Bull Loan Spell

    Permane also welcomed the fact the squad have Lawson back after a three-race stint covering Isack Hadjar at sister team Red Bull Racing. “Much as we love Yuki [Tsunoda] — and the whole team does, he’s a very popular figure – it’s good to have Liam back in his car, in the team, working very, very well with Arvid, and those two lift each other up through the weekend.” Lawson himself expressed satisfaction at the reunion. “Honestly, it was good. This morning we were quite strong. We definitely didn’t have the same performance in FP2, where everybody else made a decent step, so we have to look at that and try and improve things for tomorrow. But overall, it’s good. It’s nice to be back in my car. It feels like home, but we have some work to do to match those guys.” The New Zealander confirmed the team will be working overnight to improve in the low speed corners to try and get themselves into the top 10 in Qualifying on Friday.

    Why This Matters

    The Azerbaijan Grand Prix represents a critical juncture for Racing Bulls’ driver development strategy. With Lawson’s return from his Red Bull Racing audition, the team gains valuable experience and a benchmark for car performance, while Lindblad’s baptism of fire on a street circuit highlights the steep learning curve facing rookie drivers in Formula 1. The team’s decision to support rather than sanction Lindblad signals a long-term developmental approach, prioritizing confidence-building over immediate results. As the only practice session before Friday qualifying under the sprint format, Thursday’s running carried outsized importance, and the overnight work on low-speed corner performance will determine whether Racing Bulls can translate their FP1 promise into a competitive grid position.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why was Liam Lawson driving for Red Bull Racing recently?

    Lawson completed a three-race stint at Red Bull Racing covering for Isack Hadjar before returning to his regular Racing Bulls seat for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend.

    What caused Arvid Lindblad’s crash in FP2?

    Lindblad clipped the wall by a millimetre through the castle section of the Baku street circuit, bringing out red flags and causing significant damage to the right-hand side of his car.

    What are Racing Bulls’ priorities for Friday qualifying?

    The team will work overnight to improve performance in low-speed corners, with Lawson targeting a top-10 qualifying position after the car lost pace relative to competitors in FP2.

  • Isack Hadjar to make racing return with Red Bull at Azerbaijan Grand Prix

    Isack Hadjar to make racing return with Red Bull at Azerbaijan Grand Prix

    Key Highlights

    • Isack Hadjar returns to Red Bull Racing for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after recovering from a wrist injury sustained during summer training.
    • Liam Lawson completes his three-race substitute stint and returns to Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, while Yuki Tsunoda resumes reserve driver duties.
    • The Baku weekend schedule is condensed: Free Practice on Thursday, Qualifying on Friday, and the Grand Prix on Saturday to avoid a clash with Azerbaijan’s Remembrance Day on September 27.

    Hadjar Cleared for Baku Return After Summer Injury Layoff

    Isack Hadjar is set to reclaim his seat at Oracle Red Bull Racing for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, marking the end of a nearly two-month absence forced by a wrist injury sustained during off-track training over the summer break. The French-Algerian rookie missed three consecutive rounds — Zandvoort, Monza, and the inaugural Madring event — while undergoing rehabilitation. Red Bull confirmed on Tuesday that Hadjar has been declared fully fit and will participate in Thursday’s opening free practice session at the Baku City Circuit.

    Lawson’s Interim Stint Concludes with Praise from Red Bull Leadership

    Liam Lawson, who stepped into the second Red Bull seat alongside Max Verstappen for the three missed races, will now return to Visa Cash App Racing Bulls. The New Zealander’s performances drew explicit commendation from the team’s hierarchy. In a statement issued Tuesday, Red Bull emphasized Lawson’s professionalism under difficult circumstances:

    “Oracle Red Bull Racing is delighted to welcome Isack back this weekend,” read a statement issued by Red Bull on Tuesday.

    “Having made a successful recovery from his wrist injury, Isack will return to action at the Baku City Circuit on Thursday.”

    “The team would like to sincerely thank Liam for his professionalism, dedication and hard work over the past three races.”

    “Stepping in under challenging circumstances, he delivered some impressive performances and made a valuable contribution to the team.”

    “We wish him all the best as he returns to Visa Cash App Racing Bulls.”

    Lawson’s temporary promotion came at a critical juncture in the Constructors’ Championship battle, and his ability to extract competitive results from the RB20 on short notice strengthened Red Bull’s depth chart heading into the season’s final stretch.

    Tsunoda Resumes Reserve Role as Driver Rotation Resets

    The driver shuffle also sees Yuki Tsunoda revert to reserve driver duties for Red Bull Racing. The Japanese driver had been elevated to a more visible support role during Lawson’s stint but now returns to his standard simulator and development program. The rotation underscores Red Bull’s fluid driver pool strategy across its two Formula 1 entries, with Racing Bulls serving as both a development platform and a tactical reserve for the senior team.

    Compressed Baku Schedule Adds Tactical Complexity

    The Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend operates on an altered timetable to accommodate Azerbaijan’s Remembrance Day on September 27. Rather than the traditional Friday-to-Sunday format, track action begins Thursday with Free Practice, followed by Qualifying on Friday and the Grand Prix itself on Saturday. This compression reduces preparation time for Hadjar’s reintegration and places a premium on immediate pace during the sole practice session. Engineers must finalize setup directions with minimal running, while Hadjar reacclimates to the RB20’s handling characteristics on a street circuit notorious for punishing errors.

    Why This Matters

    Hadjar’s return signals Red Bull’s confidence in their 2024 rookie investment amid a tightly contested Constructors’ fight. The team’s willingness to rotate Lawson back to Racing Bulls — rather than extend his audition — suggests satisfaction with Hadjar’s pre-injury trajectory and a desire to maintain continuity in their long-term driver development pipeline. For Lawson, the three-race audition provided valuable exposure to championship-pressure weekends, likely strengthening his case for a 2025 seat. The condensed Baku schedule, meanwhile, tests every team’s operational agility, with single-practice formats historically producing unpredictable grids and strategic variance.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why did Isack Hadjar miss the last three races?

    Hadjar sustained a wrist injury while training during the summer break, forcing him to sit out the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, and the inaugural Madring event while he underwent rehabilitation.

    What happens to Liam Lawson now?

    Lawson returns to Visa Cash App Racing Bulls after completing his three-race substitute stint with the senior Red Bull team. Red Bull publicly thanked him for his “professionalism, dedication and hard work” and noted he “delivered some impressive performances.”

    Why is the Azerbaijan Grand Prix schedule different this year?

    The weekend has been moved forward by one day — Free Practice on Thursday, Qualifying on Friday, and the race on Saturday — to avoid a clash with Azerbaijan’s Remembrance Day on September 27.

  • ‘Nothing wrong with Isack’s recovery’

    ‘Nothing wrong with Isack’s recovery’

    Key Highlights

    • Isack Hadjar has missed three consecutive Formula 1 races — Zandvoort, Monza, and Madrid — due to a wrist injury sustained during the summer break training period.
    • Red Bull Racing team principal Laurent Mekies confirms Hadjar’s recovery is proceeding normally with no setbacks; a return decision will follow a simulator evaluation in approximately one week.
    • Liam Lawson has substituted for Hadjar at Red Bull Racing, scoring points in two of three starts, while Yuki Tsunoda has filled Lawson’s vacancy at Racing Bulls.

    Hadjar’s Injury and Absence

    French rookie Isack Hadjar has been sidelined since the summer break concluded, missing the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, and the Madrid round while recovering from a wrist injury sustained during training in the three-week hiatus. The 20-year-old had made an impressive start to his Red Bull Racing tenure, registering eight top-10 finishes — including a podium in Monaco — and out-qualifying four-time world champion Max Verstappen on three occasions. His absence has cost him not only championship points but also crucial mileage in the RB22 as the team continues to understand the new generation of machinery. Although Hadjar has attended races to analyze data, Red Bull acknowledges that track time remains irreplaceable for correlating upgrades with on-track feel.

    Mekies Provides Recovery Update

    Speaking after the Spanish Grand Prix, Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies offered a measured assessment of Hadjar’s condition, emphasizing that the recovery timeline aligns with medical expectations for the injury type.

    “Isack is good… There is nothing wrong with Isack’s recovery. I think we have learned that it’s fundamentally normal time for the sort of injuries he has,”

    Mekies stated. He outlined the process for the coming days:

    “So, we will continue with the same approach than what we had, we will evaluate the situations in a weeks’ time, we have a full week, with more than a full week to evaluate the situation to see how he feels.”

    The next step involves a simulator session to test Hadjar under realistic loads:

    “And then to put him on the simulator, to expose him to real-life constraints… If he feels close to 100%, we go for it. If he feels the recovery is not completed, we will stick [with] our approach to put his recovery first.”

    Mekies underscored the long-term perspective:

    “What we don’t want to do is by having an early return, compromise his long-term capacity to come back to 100%.”

    Impact on Championship and Team Dynamics

    In Hadjar’s absence, the driver lineup has shifted significantly. Liam Lawson has stepped up to the senior Red Bull Racing seat, delivering points finishes in two of his three outings, while Yuki Tsunoda has moved from Racing Bulls to replace Lawson. Verstappen, meanwhile, has secured two podiums during this stretch, demonstrating the RB22’s underlying potential. The situation creates a complex decision matrix for Red Bull ahead of the upcoming triple-header: whether to reinstate Hadjar if he clears the simulator test, or to retain Lawson for continuity. The team has indicated it is comfortable delaying the final call until the last possible moment.

    Historical Context: Wrist Injuries in Formula 1

    Recent precedents offer varied recovery timelines. Lance Stroll suffered a bicycle accident before the 2023 season, fracturing his wrist and toe; he missed pre-season testing but competed in the opening round in Bahrain, scoring points despite the injuries. Daniel Ricciardo’s 2023 hand fracture — sustained in a practice crash at Zandvoort — required a longer absence of five Grands Prix, with Lawson serving as his replacement at that time. Hadjar’s current three-race absence falls between these two benchmarks, and Red Bull’s cautious stance reflects lessons learned from both cases.

    Why This Matters

    Hadjar’s injury interrupts a breakthrough rookie campaign that positioned him as a credible long-term asset for Red Bull’s driver pipeline. His ability to challenge Verstappen in qualifying signaled rare adaptability to the RB22’s characteristics. The team’s willingness to prioritize his full recovery over short-term results reflects a strategic investment in his development trajectory. Simultaneously, Lawson’s competent deputizing strengthens his own case for a 2025 seat, either at Red Bull Racing or Racing Bulls. The upcoming triple-header — Azerbaijan, Singapore, and Austin — represents a critical window for car development; the driver in the second Red Bull cockpit will directly influence upgrade correlation and constructors’ championship positioning.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When will Red Bull decide on Isack Hadjar’s return?

    Laurent Mekies indicated the team will evaluate Hadjar’s condition in approximately one week, including a simulator session to assess his readiness under race-like loads. A final decision is expected before the next Grand Prix in Azerbaijan.

    How has Liam Lawson performed in Hadjar’s absence?

    Lawson has scored points in two of his three starts for Red Bull Racing at Zandvoort, Monza, and Madrid, demonstrating his capability in the senior team environment.

    What is the nature of Hadjar’s wrist injury?

    The source specifies that Hadjar hurt his wrist during training in the summer break. Mekies described the recovery timeline as “fundamentally normal time for the sort of injuries he has,” without detailing the specific diagnosis.

  • Red Bull Insists “there is nothing wrong” With Isack Hadjar’s Recovery

    Red Bull Insists “there is nothing wrong” With Isack Hadjar’s Recovery

    Key Highlights

    • Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies confirms Isack Hadjar’s wrist injury recovery is progressing normally, with a decision on his Baku return expected by Wednesday or Thursday.
    • Liam Lawson will continue preparing for both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls roles until Hadjar’s fitness is confirmed, having scored 14 points in three grands prix.
    • Hadjar consulted seven-time MotoGP champion Marc Marquez, whose own rushed return from a broken humerus in 2020 cost him an entire season, reinforcing the team’s cautious approach.

    Red Bull Prioritizes Long-Term Health Over Quick Return for Hadjar

    Red Bull Racing team principal Laurent Mekies delivered a measured update on Isack Hadjar’s injury situation following the Spanish Grand Prix, confirming the French rookie’s recovery from a wrist injury sustained during the summer break is proceeding according to plan. Hadjar has missed the last three Formula 1 rounds, with Liam Lawson stepping into the Red Bull Racing seat while Yuki Tsunoda covered reserve duties at Racing Bulls. Speaking after Sunday’s race in Madrid, Mekies emphasized that the team has no intention of rushing the sophomore driver back before he reaches full fitness.

    Marquez Consultation Reinforces Cautious Strategy

    A pivotal factor in shaping Red Bull’s conservative timeline was Hadjar’s interaction with seven-time MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez. The Spanish motorcycle racing icon famously fractured his humerus in the 2020 Jerez season opener, attempted to compete in the following race, and subsequently missed the remainder of the campaign due to complications. That cautionary tale resonated with the 20-year-old Frenchman, convincing him that patience serves his long-term interests better than an accelerated return. Mekies confirmed the team has “learned that it’s fundamentally a normal time for the sort of injuries he has,” validating their existing medical approach.

    Simulator Test Will Determine Baku Availability

    Mekies outlined a clear decision-making framework for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix. With “a bit more than a full week” before the Baku weekend, Hadjar will undergo evaluation before being placed on the simulator to experience “real-life constraints.” The team principal established a binary threshold: “If he feels close to 100%, we go for it; if he feels the recovery is not completed, we will stick on our approach to put his recovery first.” Mekies explicitly ruled out compromising Hadjar’s “long-term capacity to come back to 100%” for a premature race appearance, underscoring the organization’s investment in the driver’s development trajectory.

    Lawson Navigates Dual Preparation Challenge

    New Zealander Balances Two Team Workloads

    While Hadjar focuses on rehabilitation, Liam Lawson faces a demanding logistical challenge. The New Zealander must maintain race readiness for both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls until a final decision on Hadjar’s status emerges. “It’s a lot of time at the factory and doing a lot of extra preparations,” Lawson admitted, adding that “this week off won’t be much of a week off.” The 22-year-old has impressed in his three substitute appearances, accumulating 14 championship points and climbing to ninth in the drivers’ standings—just 12 points adrift of Hadjar despite the Frenchman’s five-race head start.

    Mental Preparation Complicated by Uncertainty

    Lawson candidly described the psychological toll of preparing for two fundamentally different cars with no guarantee of which he will drive in Baku. “Coming to the end of the [Madrid] weekend now, I feel quite comfortable in this car. But just going forward, it’s the unknown all the way up to the race weekends,” he explained. The Red Bull driver estimated clarity might not arrive until “Wednesday or Thursday for Baku,” making it “quite tricky to mentally prepare for what car I’m going to drive.” Lawson noted the machinery differences are substantial: “Going back now will be quite tough. It’s completely different to drive.”

    Why This Matters

    The Hadjar-Lawson situation highlights Red Bull’s evolving driver management philosophy under new leadership. With Mekies and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley steering the program following Christian Horner’s reduced operational role, the team is demonstrating a willingness to protect young assets rather than exploit short-term performance gaps. Hadjar’s consultation with Marquez—facilitated by Red Bull’s cross-discipline motorsport network—shows an innovative approach to athlete welfare that transcends series boundaries. For Lawson, the extended audition strengthens his case for a full-time 2026 seat, whether at Red Bull Racing, Racing Bulls, or elsewhere. The Baku decision will also test Red Bull’s simulator correlation capabilities, as Hadjar’s virtual running will serve as the primary fitness benchmark in the absence of on-track running. Championship-wise, Lawson’s 14-point haul has injected unexpected competitiveness into the midfield battle, with the New Zealander now within striking distance of established runners including Nico Hulkenberg and Fernando Alonso.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When will Red Bull decide if Isack Hadjar races in Baku?

    According to team principal Laurent Mekies, the decision will likely come “probably all the way up to Wednesday or Thursday for Baku,” following a simulator evaluation after more than a week of recovery assessment.

    How has Liam Lawson performed in his three races replacing Hadjar?

    Lawson has scored 14 points across the three grands prix, placing him ninth in the drivers’ championship standings—just 12 points behind Hadjar despite missing the season’s first five rounds.

    Why did Isack Hadjar consult Marc Marquez about his injury?

    Hadjar sought advice from the seven-time MotoGP champion because Marquez famously rushed back from a broken humerus in 2020, aggravated the injury, and missed the rest of that season—a cautionary example that reinforced Red Bull’s patient approach to the Frenchman’s wrist recovery.

  • Liam Lawson assesses Red Bull outings: ‘Overall it’s been a strong three weekends’

    Liam Lawson assesses Red Bull outings: ‘Overall it’s been a strong three weekends’

    Liam Lawson Reflects on Strong Red Bull Return After Spanish Grand Prix Points Finish

    Liam Lawson believes “overall it’s been a strong three weekends” with Red Bull since replacing the injured Isack Hadjar midway through the 2025 Formula 1 season. The New Zealander made his third start for the senior team at last weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix, securing his best result since swapping his Racing Bulls machinery by finishing sixth.

    Overtaking Challenge Defines Madrid Debut

    Lawson was one of the few drivers to execute an overtake on the Madring street circuit, before a late pit stop secured his second points finish with Red Bull—following a seventh-place result in the Netherlands. Speaking to F1 TV about the challenges of Formula 1’s newest venue, Lawson said:

    “Hard to overtake is really the biggest thing. We started on the hard [tyre] as well and with the Virtual Safety Car, it didn’t really help us,”

    He elaborated on a key moment during the race:

    “Made quite a risky pass on Franco [Colapinto] earlier on and felt like it was going to be really important for our race but then the VSC came out and they boxed anyway, so it didn’t really make a difference.

    Was quite fun to do but this track is very difficult to pull it off [an overtake]. I didn’t nearly make the corner and you do track limits you have to give the place back. Tough race.”

    Contrast with Early Season Struggles

    Lawson’s current performances with Red Bull stand in stark contrast to the start of the 2025 season, where he competed in just two races before being demoted back to Racing Bulls. Prior to his temporary move back to the senior team, Lawson had scored points in eight out of 11 races this season—form that earned him another call-up.

    Although Hadjar was present in the Madrid paddock over the weekend, the Frenchman’s return from a wrist injury sustained over the summer break remains unknown, with Baku the next race in two weeks.

    Lawson Proud of Maximising Opportunities

    When asked if he was proud of his performances with Red Bull so far, Lawson responded:

    “I think so,”

    He expanded on his approach:

    “I’ve just tried to maximise each weekend. Honestly, a lot of things coming into it were just driver specific that I knew were going to be challenging about this car, and just really tried to prepare as much as I could but it’s been a very busy few weeks to be honest.

    Probably this coming week will be busy as well to be honest, I’ll probably be doing prep for both cars again. It’s just been a busy time trying to put everything together, but it’s been good.

    I would have loved to have scored in Monza as well, but I think overall it’s been a strong three weekends.”

  • Red Bull’s Laurent Mekies Explains Why Max Verstappen Was Ordered to Return Positions in Madrid

    Red Bull’s Laurent Mekies Explains Why Max Verstappen Was Ordered to Return Positions in Madrid

    Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies has defended the team’s decision to order Max Verstappen to surrender positions during the opening lap of the Spanish Grand Prix, a move that ultimately paved the way for a strong recovery drive to second place at the Madring circuit.

    First-Lap Clash Triggers Team Order

    The incident occurred immediately after lights out in Madrid. Verstappen, starting third, tangled with Lewis Hamilton as the Ferrari driver moved ahead into Turn 1. Verstappen maintained his grid slot only by cutting the corner, prompting an immediate investigation from race control.

    Over team radio, Verstappen protested that Hamilton “almost shunted him” and initially resisted instructions to concede the position. The Dutch driver had since passed Kimi Antonelli for second place, raising the stakes of a potential time penalty.

    Strategic Compliance Avoids Heavier Penalty

    Verstappen eventually complied, allowing both Antonelli and Hamilton to repass. The strategy shifted rapidly when Hamilton suffered a brake failure and retired shortly after. A subsequent Virtual Safety Car period played into Red Bull’s hands during their pit stop cycle, enabling Verstappen to finish runner-up to race winner Antonelli.

    Mekies: “Better to Take the Pain at That Moment”

    Speaking to F1 TV after the Grand Prix, Mekies acknowledged the decision was unpopular in the cockpit but necessary for the broader race outcome.

    “We would have simply been penalized either five seconds or ten seconds at their discretion,” he told F1 TV. “So that’s what would have happened. And of course, if you can imagine race scenarios with a Safety Car or other circumstances, it can cost you a lot more than a position or two.”

    Mekies emphasized that the team anticipated Verstappen’s frustration but backed his ability to recover.

    “Luckily Max gave away the position before Lewis retired and ultimately continued to fight the race from that point,” he continued. “Of course it is frustrating but, in fairness, I think P2 was the absolute best we could have achieved today.”

    Verstappen Accepts “Nature of the Track”

    For his part, Verstappen characterized the opening skirmish as a product of the new Madrid layout. After the enforced position swaps, he focused solely on maximizing his race pace, a mindset that delivered a damage-limitation podium.

    Championship Standings Update

    The result leaves Verstappen sixth in the Drivers’ Championship with 145 points. Teammate Liam Lawson scored sixth place on his return to the seat, lifting Red Bull to fourth in the Constructors’ standings ahead of the next round in Baku.

  • “We can have a bit of chaos” – Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson Assess Red Bull’s 2026 Spanish Grand Prix Chances

    “We can have a bit of chaos” – Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson Assess Red Bull’s 2026 Spanish Grand Prix Chances

    Verstappen and Lawson Assess Red Bull Prospects at Inaugural Madrid Grand Prix

    Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson have offered their assessments of Red Bull’s chances at this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix, where Madrid will host its first-ever Formula 1 race on a high-speed street circuit. The novel layout presents teams and drivers with an unfamiliar challenge that could shuffle the competitive order and create an opportunity for an unexpected result.

    Verstappen Sees Opportunity in Circuit Unknowns

    Red Bull and Verstappen have yet to secure a victory this season. The Dutch driver suggested that the inherent perils of a street circuit, combined with the unknowns of a new venue, could potentially offer his best chance yet to return to the top step of the podium.

    “I think the practice sessions are crucial, and hopefully we just get a good feeling with the car. I think if you have a good feeling with the car, you’re actually a bit more competitive, and hopefully that will put us into a place where we can fight again around a podium,” he said.

    “I always try my best to try and win a race, at least this year, but for sure it’s not going to be easy to win a race. But we’ll see. Maybe, first race here, we can have a bit of chaos. You need to luck in maybe a little bit, but we keep trying.

    “It probably is a car killer [circuit] from what I’ve seen so far. You just need to try and stay out of the wall, try and get the best possible feeling in the car. When you are confident in the car on a street circuit, it helps a lot.

    “It’s difficult to say at the moment how everything is going to go. And, I mean, driver track or not, you still need a good car. That’s the most important thing.”

    Lawson Building Comfort in Red Bull Machinery

    Meanwhile, Lawson will continue to stand in for the injured Isack Hadjar, having already raced for Red Bull at Zandvoort and Monza. The New Zealander narrowly missed out on points in Italy last weekend but believes he is adapting further to the team’s current challenger, a process that will be even more critical at a brand-new venue.

    “This track is quite different to what we’ve been racing on. It’s obviously new for all of us so it’s going to take some time to learn,” he said.

    “For us as drivers, the teams as well with the car, I’m sure it’s going to be challenging but the more time I spend in the car the more I’m going to naturally get a bit more comfortable.

    Lawson added:

    “It’s not my car and obviously in your own car you have many things that are very suited for you, and that’s not something I can do in a couple of races with this car. More time I spend in it, more comfortable I get.”

  • Max Verstappen Dismisses Hype Over Red Bull’s Madrid Surprise

    Max Verstappen Dismisses Hype Over Red Bull’s Madrid Surprise

    Verstappen Confronts Winless Season Reality Ahead of Madrid Grand Prix Debut

    Max Verstappen faces the distinct possibility of completing a Formula 1 season without a victory for the first time since his 2015 debut campaign. The four-time world champion addressed the scenario during the Dutch media session at Monza, offering a candid assessment of Red Bull’s current competitiveness.

    “I’m obviously never going to say that out loud!”

    Verstappen’s refusal to voice the possibility contrasts with his approach in 2023, when a similar admission preceded a dominant second-half run that saw him finish on the podium at every remaining round and narrowly miss a fifth consecutive title. The Dutchman acknowledges the current situation differs fundamentally.

    “Every time I’m in the car, I always go for the maximum. If the opportunity comes to win a race, then of course I’ll go all out for it. But with how things stand at the moment, that chance isn’t very big.”

    Driver Skill vs. Machinery at the Madring

    The inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the IFEMA complex—dubbed the Madring—has sparked discussion about circuits where driver talent can outweigh car performance. Verstappen dismissed the narrative that a demanding layout alone can close the gap to faster rivals.

    “I mean, you can make the story as beautiful as you want, right? Driver’s track or not, at the end of the day you still need a fast car in Formula 1.”

    He extended the point to his season overall, insisting his personal form remains high despite the results.

    “As a driver, I feel good this year, but I’m not winning races. Does that mean I’m a bad driver or not quick enough? I don’t think so. It’s not that suddenly because this is more of a driver’s track than Monza or whatever, you can do a lot better.”

    Madring Safety Concerns Draw Jeddah Comparisons

    Pre-event focus has centered on the circuit’s safety profile after an F3 test produced 19 red flags. Williams team principal James Vowles labeled the venue “a car killer.” Verstappen, asked by Motorsport.com about the danger level, drew a direct parallel to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

    “Well, it could be. In some places, when you have a tiny moment, it can result in a crash. But I mean, Jeddah is the same and we’ve spoken about that already before. You just have to deal with it and try to figure out the margins, to try and keep it under control. But of course, when you’re on the limit, it’s easy to make a little mistake.”

    He reinforced the comparison on driving sensation.

    “In terms of what I feel, yes. Of course, there are quite a lot more lower speed corners here, but the sensation I get is a little bit like that, yeah.”

    Lawson Echoes Blind-Corner Warning

    Red Bull stand-in Liam Lawson supported the Jeddah analogy, highlighting the prevalence of blind corners where walls run flush to the racing line.

    “The way these street circuits are built, the walls just sort of follow where the track goes and they’re just very blind in a lot of places. There are a lot of faster flowing corners where you have something behind it and you can’t see it. Jeddah obviously has more of that than this place, but it’s sort of similar in that way, I would say.”

    Lawson identified the Turn 5-6 chicane as a particular hazard.

    “If you take too much of the first kerb, it’ll bounce you across the second kerb, which will then bounce you into the wall. Trying to be accurate through a section like that is quite tough. I’ve seen a lot of videos of F3 cars just smashing both the kerbs and getting away with it, or not getting away with it, so it’s definitely a tricky part of the track. The braking zone is obviously not straight as well, so trying not to lock and push that braking zone is going to be pretty tough.”

    Power-Unit Limitations Expected to Restrict Flat-Out Running

    Looking ahead to the 2026 regulations, Lawson does not anticipate Monaco-style unrestricted pushing at the Madring.

    “Not like Monaco, no. I think Monaco is one where we can push flat out and actually have no limitations. I would say this is not going to be like that, but I think it definitely is somewhere that, more so than in Monza, you can probably make a bit of a difference.”

  • Yuki Tsunoda Responds to Max Verstappen’s F1 2026 Claim

    Yuki Tsunoda Responds to Max Verstappen’s F1 2026 Claim

    Yuki Tsunoda has dismissed Max Verstappen’s suggestion that recent driver performances prove the 2026 Formula 1 regulations diminish the importance of driver skill. The Japanese driver, currently standing in for the injured Isack Hadjar at Racing Bulls, delivered strong results in his two race starts at Zandvoort and Monza.

    Tsunoda Unfazed by Verstappen’s Critique of 2026 Rules

    Tsunoda and Verstappen were teammates at Red Bull Racing during the 2025 season. While Verstappen secured second place in the drivers’ championship, Tsunoda finished 17th and was replaced by Isack Hadjar for 2026. After moving into a reserve role, Tsunoda returned to race action for sister team Racing Bulls following a wrist injury sustained by Hadjar over the summer break. Liam Lawson, who also struggled alongside Verstappen in 2025, temporarily filled Hadjar’s Red Bull seat.

    Both replacement drivers impressed. Lawson finished seventh at Zandvoort, while Tsunoda scored a championship point at Monza after narrowly missing out in the Netherlands. Speaking in Madrid ahead of this weekend’s race, Tsunoda expressed satisfaction with his performance and indifference to Verstappen’s theory.

    “It’s his comments, so… I don’t know. I really just read it, to be honest. That’s it.

    “It’s a different car, for sure. Obviously, energy deployments and stuff is different. It’s obviously part of things that you can’t really push flat out in some corners. Something I experienced in Monza.

    “But, yeah, that’s it. I’m not really taking anything from his comments and compare to my results, what I showed in two races, it’s a very individual thing, I think. So, I think I’ve done a good job and that’s it.”

    Verstappen Argues New Regulations Create “Choke Hold” on Drivers

    Verstappen has been a consistent critic of the 2026 technical regulations, famously describing them in pre-season testing as “Formula E on steroids” due to the heavy reliance on energy management. His concerns appear validated by several races this season where electrical deployment strategies overshadowed pure driving talent.

    Notable examples include Lando Norris being ‘forced’ into overtaking Lewis Hamilton at Suzuka due to energy deployment modes, and McLaren highlighting the “self-learning elements” of the power unit impacting racing at Spa-Francorchamps. These incidents prompted Verstappen to cite Lawson and Tsunoda’s immediate competitiveness as further evidence of a fundamental shift in the sport.

    “In the history of the sport, normally the driver that is the most committed, the latest on the brakes, earlier on throttle, committing in the high-speed [corners], they get rewarded, because you just gain that time in the corner.

    “But now you’re constantly thinking about, ‘In this corner I might have to hold in a bit. Go later on throttle. Or brake earlier. Or lift off. And then I have more top speed.’ Stuff like that. It’s so unnatural. It’s so not how it should be.

    “No disrespect, and I hope no one picks up on this, but look at Yuki. He jumps in the car. Never driven the car before. Immediately competitive. Liam jumps from the Racing Bulls to the Red Bull – immediately competitive. It’s because these cars are numb to your driver inputs.

    “Of course, yes, you still have to do a good lap and you still have to commit, the fastest drivers will always come out on top, but it’s really, really limited, like a choke hold or something. You’re held back.”

    Tsunoda will continue in the Racing Bulls seat for the Madrid Grand Prix as Hadjar recovers, offering another opportunity to test his form against Verstappen’s hypothesis.