News Summary
- Liam Lawson believes his temporary return to Red Bull in 2026 proved he was capable of driving the team’s Formula 1 car, following criticism of his difficult two-race stint in 2025.
- The New Zealander revealed how little preparation he received before his original promotion, citing limited testing, technical problems and the sprint format in China.
- Lawson described his three-race return alongside Max Verstappen as extremely demanding but ultimately beneficial, arguing that it strengthened his case for future opportunities.
Liam Lawson believes he has finally demonstrated that he is capable of competing for Red Bull in Formula 1, after returning to the senior team for three races during the 2026 season. The New Zealander, who was demoted to Racing Bulls after just two Grands Prix in 2025, said his temporary comeback alongside Max Verstappen helped challenge the perception that he was not good enough to drive the team’s car.
Speaking to RacingNews365, Lawson reflected on the criticism he faced after his original promotion ended abruptly and argued that the circumstances surrounding his first opportunity had not been properly understood.
Lawson says Red Bull comeback answered criticism after 2025 demotion
Lawson began the 2025 season as Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull but was replaced after just two races.
The decision sent him back to Racing Bulls, where he completed the campaign and remained for 2026.
However, Lawson received another opportunity when Isack Hadjar suffered an injury during the current season.
The New Zealander returned to Red Bull for three Grands Prix, while Yuki Tsunoda temporarily took his place at Racing Bulls.
His performances were considerably stronger than during his original stint, allowing him to demonstrate greater confidence and competitiveness.
Lawson believes those appearances helped correct the perception created by his difficult introduction to the senior team.
“I think there has been quite a lot said about me over the last 12 months since I left Red Bull,” Lawson told RacingNews365.
He explained that some observers had suggested he lacked the ability to compete for the team because of his difficult start.
“If there’s one thing I can take from it, it’s that I’ve at least been able to show people that I can drive that car,” Lawson said. “And actually, that I can drive any car.”
Lawson reveals how little preparation he had before first Red Bull chance
The 24-year-old also explained why his original promotion had been particularly difficult.
Lawson said he had received very limited preparation before the start of the 2025 season.
Red Bull completed only half a day of running during a private test at Jerez, while its subsequent pre-season programme in Bahrain did not go entirely to plan.
The opening race in Australia was then disrupted by a technical problem.
Lawson missed the third free practice session in Melbourne because of an engine issue.
The following weekend in China featured a sprint format, reducing the time available for practice and adjustments.
“We did half a day during the private test at Jerez,” Lawson recalled.
“Then we had a test in Bahrain that didn’t quite go to plan. In Melbourne, we missed the third free practice session because of an engine problem, and then China was a sprint weekend. That was it.”
Lawson believes those circumstances made it extremely difficult to adapt to the Red Bull car and establish a consistent level of performance.
He acknowledged that he had rarely discussed those difficulties publicly.
By contrast, his return in 2026 came after considerably more Formula 1 experience.
The New Zealander felt better prepared to understand the car’s behaviour and respond to the demands of the senior team.
Three-race return alongside Verstappen was extremely demanding
Although Lawson welcomed the opportunity to return to Red Bull, he admitted that changing teams in the middle of a season was difficult.
The driver explained that each team operates with different procedures, communication methods and technical routines.
Moving from Racing Bulls to Red Bull required him to adapt almost immediately while continuing to compete at the highest level.
“It was extremely tough,” Lawson said.
He explained that the transition required constant adjustments and made the three race weekends particularly intense.
However, he rejected the suggestion that the temporary move had damaged his season.
Lawson acknowledged that Racing Bulls might have lost valuable championship points during his absence, particularly as the team is fighting for fifth place in the Constructors’ Championship.
From a personal perspective, though, he considered the experience positive.
He said it allowed him to understand another Formula 1 car from a different technical perspective and broadened his experience.
Lawson believes experience across teams has made him stronger
Lawson also highlighted his ability to adapt to different machinery.
The New Zealander has experienced several changes of team and role throughout his Formula 1 career, including periods as a substitute driver.
He argued that those experiences have made it easier to adapt to unfamiliar environments.
“I’ve never completed a full season with the same team,” Lawson explained.
The driver believes that experience has helped him understand different cars and working methods.
His temporary return to Red Bull therefore represented another opportunity to develop rather than a setback.
The three-race spell also provided a chance to rebuild his reputation after the difficult circumstances surrounding his original demotion.
Lawson’s performances included seventh place at Zandvoort and sixth in Madrid, strengthening his argument that he can compete in a leading Formula 1 car when given sufficient preparation.
Lawson heads to Brazil after remarkable Mexico recovery
Lawson’s comments come after another notable performance at the Mexican Grand Prix.
The Racing Bulls driver was disqualified from qualifying because of a technical infringement involving his power unit, forcing him to start from the pit lane.
Despite the setback, Lawson recovered through the field and eventually finished seventh following post-race penalties imposed on other drivers.
The result reinforced his recent improvement and provided another positive performance ahead of the São Paulo Grand Prix.
Lawson remains with Racing Bulls, while Hadjar has secured his position at the senior Red Bull team.
Although the New Zealander has not confirmed any agreement for a future promotion, his latest comments suggest he believes his 2026 performances have strengthened his credentials.
GRANDE PRÊMIO is following every session of the São Paulo Grand Prix this weekend, with breaking news, full coverage and real-time updates in its Formula 1 section.
FAQ
Did Liam Lawson return to Red Bull in 2026?
Yes. Lawson competed for the senior Red Bull team in three Grands Prix while Isack Hadjar was injured.
Why does Lawson believe his 2025 Red Bull stint was unfairly judged?
He cited limited testing, an engine problem that cost him practice time in Australia and the sprint format in China.
Is Lawson returning permanently to Red Bull in 2027?
No permanent return has been announced. Lawson remains with Racing Bulls, while Hadjar has secured the senior Red Bull seat.
