Isack Hadjar’s breakout start has caught Red Bull’s eye, while Liam Lawson faces pressure after a rapid and ruthless team reshuffle.
Christian Horner has once again defended the controversial decision to sideline Liam Lawson after just two races in the Red Bull seat.
Many fans were left asking: why drop Lawson so quickly? Wasn’t it unfair or too soon to judge? What data supported such a call?
Speaking during the Miami Grand Prix weekend, Horner explained:
“Liam had tough weekends in Australia and China. He seemed to get caught in a downward spiral, and it was clear to everyone that things were becoming overwhelming for him.”
“We had to act before it went too far. It’s never easy to make that kind of call, you’re taking away someone’s dream. But Red Bull is in a unique position. We own two teams, and that gives us flexibility.”
According to Horner, the conversation with Lawson was direct but encouraging. “We told Liam: this isn’t the end of your F1 journey. We’re going to rotate between the two teams and keep developing your experience.”
Red Bull’s driver management has faced criticism lately. Some have asked why Yuki Tsunoda wasn’t given the main seat from the start of the season, which would’ve allowed him to test during winter.
“Looking back is always easy,” Horner said with a half-smile.
“If the car had been easier to drive, maybe it would’ve been a different story for Liam. But we chose to act quickly and avoid dragging things out.”
He insisted that Red Bull still backs Lawson, but needed to ease the pressure. “We’re asking a lot, too soon. Yuki has the experience to handle a difficult car. Giving Liam time to grow in a strong car at Racing Bulls is better for him, and better for the team.”
Despite the setback, Horner says Lawson took the news maturely and is now facing a serious challenge from his new teammate, Isack Hadjar.
Hadjar Turning Heads at Red Bull
So far, Hadjar has outshone Lawson. Red Bull’s talent boss Helmut Marko has already showered praise on the young Frenchman, and Horner is equally impressed.
“He might be the most impressive rookie we’ve seen this season. Liam is finding his rhythm, but Isack has really gone beyond what we expected,” said Horner.
“He’s been consistently strong, even on tracks he’s never raced before. He doesn’t have much mileage in a Formula 1 car, yet he’s adapted like he’s been doing this for years.”
Horner was full of praise for the 19-year-old’s composure and mindset.
“He’s calm, confident, and hungry. This new generation of drivers, they’re just so ready for Formula 1. You can see the energy and belief they bring.”
“Isack has driven brilliantly so far this year, especially considering how new these circuits are for him.”
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Hadjar Stuns Red Bull: Rookie Outshines Lawson Early Hadjar Stuns Red Bull: Rookie Outshines Lawson Early
