Red Bull's Driver Dilemma: Marko Praises Hadjar, Questions Lawson's Consistency

Red Bull Racing chief advisor Dr. Helmut Marko has offered contrasting assessments of Racing Bulls drivers Isack Hadjar and Liam Lawson, hinting at Red Bull's complex decision-making process for their future driver lineups.

Why it matters:

Red Bull is known for its rigorous driver development program, and Marko's comments highlight the immense pressure on their junior drivers. With decisions looming for both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls' 2026 seats, these evaluations are critical in shaping the careers of young talents and the future competitive landscape of both teams.

The Details:

• Following a double points finish for Racing Bulls at the Brazilian Grand Prix, where Lawson finished P7 and Hadjar P8, Marko's analysis was unexpected.
• Liam Lawson's Performance: Despite outperforming Hadjar in Brazil, Marko stated that Lawson's performances are "still not consistent enough," even though he has "caught himself [up] with the Racing Bulls [car]."
• Isack Hadjar's Rise: Marko lauded Hadjar as the "discovery of the season." He claims Hadjar would be higher than P10 in the World Championship standings if not for four engine problems.
  • Marko emphasized, "If the Parisian's car works, he is a sure value for the top ten every time – which is very promising for his future."
• 2026 Driver Lineup: Red Bull has previously confirmed they will take more time to announce their 2026 driver lineups for both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls. Currently, Max Verstappen is confirmed for Red Bull Racing, and Hadjar appears to be in a strong position, while Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson are considered "at risk" of being left out.

The big picture:

Red Bull's driver pipeline is a high-stakes environment where consistency and raw pace are constantly scrutinized. Marko's public statements often serve as a gauge of a driver's standing within the Red Bull hierarchy. His strong endorsement of Hadjar, despite Lawson's recent points finish, suggests a significant shift in internal perceptions. This could influence strategic decisions regarding driver placements across their two F1 teams, impacting the careers of several promising young drivers vying for a coveted F1 seat.

What's next:

Red Bull's driver decisions for 2026 are expected to be announced later. The coming months will be crucial for Lawson to demonstrate the consistency Marko demands, while Hadjar will need to capitalize on his momentum and prove his reliability if given the chance. The intense competition among Red Bull's junior drivers will undoubtedly continue to be a key storyline as the season progresses.