Jamie Chadwick opines on the competition between Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar at Red Bull: “He will become a serious competitor”

The three-time ‘W Series’ champion and Williams F1 ambassador, Jamie Chadwick, has praised the performance of New Zealand driver Liam Lawson during the race in Baku, although she also noted that his teammate, Isack Hadjar, could be in a superior position at this time.

A significant breakthrough for Racing Bulls in 2025

The Racing Bulls team has experienced a notable breakthrough in terms of competitiveness for the 2025 season. The first time Isack Hadjar reached the podium, it confirmed that his car has the capacity to compete at the highest level on certain circuits. For his part, Lawson has shown a considerable improvement in his performance since joining the team, achieving his best position at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he finished in fifth place. In a recent interview on the ‘Sky F1’ podcast, Chadwick highlighted Lawson’s performance: “I think Liam did an exceptional job. If you watch the race closely, his execution at the starts and his aggressiveness were remarkable.”

Isack Hadjar, Red Bull’s preferred candidate

The rookie, Hadjar, has had an impressive debut in Formula 1, showing consistency in obtaining points and a remarkable ability to adapt to the demands of the category. Despite Yuki Tsunoda’s recent sixth-place finish, the Japanese driver has not entirely convinced and runs the risk of losing his seat in 2026, which could open a spot alongside Max Verstappen. Chadwick stresses that the team needs to make clear decisions: “It is fundamental to pay attention to Isack Hadjar as the season progresses. In my perspective, he has proven to be stronger and has arrived as a rookie who has surprised us all.”

The challenges of being a teammate to a world champion

Being a teammate to a four-time world champion like Verstappen is no easy task. Lawson has felt the pressure in the only two Grands Prix he has contested, and his teammate has followed a similar path. However, Chadwick believes it would be a mistake to postpone Lawson’s promotion for fear of failure: “If you are Red Bull, you can’t think: ‘Oh, actually, no, I’d rather leave you in the junior team. I’m going to wait until you start performing and, in fact, I’ll stick with our current drivers for now’.”

Red Bull’s strategy for the future

The Austrian team is aware that it needs to have a solid performance in 2026 if it wishes to retain Max Verstappen. The changes in regulations are crucial, and the team that adapts most quickly will have a great opportunity to fight for the championship. Furthermore, Red Bull could consider promoting Arvid Lindblad, although Chadwick is clear that the Franco-Algerian should be the main candidate: “They must start taking him seriously and observe his progress. In my opinion, Isack has performed at an exceptional level, as a second-row driver, so to speak. For this reason, I believe he will be a serious competitor for a Red Bull seat next year.”

The new stage of Liam Lawson

Liam Lawson left Red Bull amidst some controversy, but he has managed to correct his mistakes after his departure, obtaining better results in his recent competitions. Chadwick has recognized the impressive defense that allowed him to finish fifth in Baku: “I know he has sometimes been criticized for his aggressiveness, but he knew how to manage the time perfectly and withstood the pressure at the end of the race admirably. Additionally, he managed to qualify in incredibly difficult conditions.”

Curiosities about Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar

  • Liam Lawson has competed in several championships before joining Formula 1, standing out in the Formula Renault Eurocup.

  • Isack Hadjar is considered one of the most promising emerging talents on the Formula 1 grid, with a strong performance in the lower categories.

  • Both drivers have shown great skill in adapting to different track conditions, which is essential in Formula 1.

  • Chadwick has been an influential voice in motorsport, thanks to her experience and her achievements in the ‘W Series’.

  • The friendly rivalry between Lawson and Hadjar could be a key factor in the development of the Red Bull team in the near future.

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