Marko Delivers Striking Comparison on Lawson and Hadjar

Helmut Marko has delivered a pointed assessment of Liam Lawson, labeling him “inconsistent,” while lavishing praise on Isack Hadjar following their strong performances at the São Paulo Grand Prix. Both Racing Bulls drivers secured points, with Lawson finishing seventh and Hadjar eighth, yet Marko's contrasting comments reveal a deeper dynamic within the Red Bull driver program.

Why it matters:

Red Bull's junior driver program is notoriously competitive, and Helmut Marko's opinions often signal future movements within the F1 and F2 teams. With the 2026 driver lineup for both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls still undecided, these comments directly impact the F1 futures of Lawson and Hadjar, potentially shaping the next generation of top-tier F1 talent.

The Details:

• São Paulo Performance: Both Lawson and Hadjar delivered solid results at Interlagos, with Lawson securing P7 and Hadjar P8. They both qualified in the top ten, showcasing the team's potential.
• Lawson's Consistency: Despite a strong Sunday, Marko stated in his Speedweek column that Lawson's “performances are still inconsistent.” This criticism comes even as Lawson has found his footing with Racing Bulls.
• Hadjar's Revelation: In stark contrast, Marko hailed Hadjar as “the revelation of the season.” He noted that Hadjar would be higher than P10 in the championship if not for four engine problems, adding that when Hadjar’s car is working, he is a “reliable contender for a top-ten finish.”
• On-Track Incident: The two drivers had a late-race coming together on the final lap, with Hadjar making an ambitious, ultimately fruitless move on Lawson. They made contact but avoided a race-ending collision, securing crucial points for Racing Bulls in the Constructors' Championship.
• Team Standings: Racing Bulls is currently 12 points clear of Haas, a lead bolstered by these Interlagos results. However, Oliver Bearman's recent surge in points adds pressure.

The Big Picture:

The Red Bull driver pool is exceptionally deep, and decisions about 2026 seats are looming. While Hadjar is widely expected to secure a top-tier seat, Lawson's future appears less certain, particularly with Yuki Tsunoda and Arvid Lindblad also in contention for a Racing Bulls spot. Marko’s comments suggest that despite Lawson’s talent, his perceived inconsistency could be a significant hurdle.

What's next:

Marko's strong endorsement of Hadjar hints at a likely promotion to Red Bull Racing alongside Max Verstappen for 2026, though this remains unconfirmed. For Lawson, the challenge will be to demonstrate sustained consistency in the remaining rounds of the season to secure his F1 future, possibly at Racing Bulls. His ability to iron out these perceived inconsistencies will be critical in the coming months as Red Bull finalizes its long-term driver plans.