Marko's Contrasting Claims on Lawson and Hadjar Amidst Red Bull's Driver Decision Delay

Red Bull Racing chief advisor Dr. Helmut Marko has offered sharply contrasting assessments of Racing Bulls drivers Isack Hadjar and Liam Lawson, even as Red Bull delays its 2026 driver lineup announcement. While Lawson led Hadjar in a double points finish at the Brazilian Grand Prix, Marko lauded Hadjar as the 'discovery' of the season, indicating a strong future, yet deemed Lawson's performances 'not consistent enough'.

Why it matters:

Red Bull's junior program is notoriously competitive, with driver selections often dictating careers. Marko's comments provide crucial insight into the potential trajectory of two promising talents vying for a limited number of F1 seats. His strong endorsement of Hadjar, despite some setbacks, signals a potential fast-tracking, while his critique of Lawson, even after a strong performance, highlights the incredibly high bar set for Red Bull's young drivers. This internal dynamic is key to understanding Red Bull's long-term strategy for both its main and junior teams.

The details:

• Brazilian Grand Prix Performance: Racing Bulls secured a double points finish in Sao Paulo, with Lawson finishing P7 and Hadjar P8.
• Marko's Assessment of Hadjar: Dr. Marko singled out Isack Hadjar as the 'discovery' of the 2025 season. He noted that if Hadjar's car performed reliably, he would consistently be a top-ten contender, calling this "very promising for his future."
  • Marko also revealed that Hadjar has faced engine problems four times, implying his current P10 standing in the World Championship doesn't fully reflect his potential.
• Marko's Assessment of Lawson: Despite Lawson's P7 finish in Brazil, Marko stated that while Lawson has adapted to the Racing Bulls car, his performances are "still not consistent enough."
• Driver Lineup Status: Red Bull has confirmed a delay in announcing their 2026 driver lineup for both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls.
  • Currently, Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar are the only drivers implicitly confirmed to continue into 2026.
  • Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson are considered 'at risk' of losing their seats.

The big picture:

Red Bull's driver development system is renowned for its ruthless efficiency. These differing assessments from Marko indicate a strategic direction that prioritizes raw, consistent pace and potential, even over immediate race results in a single event. Hadjar's perceived ability to consistently contend for top-ten finishes, despite mechanical issues, positions him favorably within the Red Bull hierarchy. Lawson, on the other hand, is being pushed for greater consistency, suggesting his path to a secure F1 seat within the Red Bull family is far from guaranteed.

What's next:

Red Bull's delayed decision on their 2026 driver lineup leaves both Lawson and Tsunoda in a precarious position. Hadjar's strong backing from Marko suggests he is a favored candidate. The coming months will be crucial for all drivers involved to demonstrate their worth, as Red Bull continues to evaluate its talent pool. The final decision will not only shape the future of these drivers but also the competitive dynamic within the Red Bull and Racing Bulls teams for the 2026 season and beyond.