Lawson acknowledges that Hadjar is 'prepared' for a move to Red Bull.

      "I believe he’s performed exceptionally well this year."

      Liam Lawson has acknowledged that his Racing Bulls teammate, Isack Hadjar, is the frontrunner to team up with Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing in 2026. This presents a challenging situation for the New Zealander, who started the season as Verstappen’s partner but was replaced after just two races, being demoted to Red Bull's junior team alongside the less experienced rookie Hadjar. The 20-year-old French driver has since made a strong impression, even achieving the distinction of being France’s youngest podium finisher just a week ago, and he is increasingly considered a candidate to take Yuki Tsunoda's place in the senior team.

      "Yuki, Yuki, Yuki," Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko smiled after Friday practice at Monza, while avoiding a confirmation about the Japanese driver’s future in 2026. "I can’t say if he’ll be with us next year. He performed very well this time. It’s also a mental challenge," he added, referring to Tsunoda’s ability to compete alongside Verstappen as a benchmark. "He just needs to remain calm and act normally. We hope he qualifies in the top ten."

      However, the long-term strategy clearly focuses on Hadjar. Lawson, 23, cannot overlook the progress of his younger and less experienced teammate. "I think he’s done really well this year," the New Zealander stated. "He made it to the podium this season, which is quite impressive, so he’s performed admirably."

      When asked if Hadjar is prepared for Red Bull, Lawson conceded, "In a sense, many drivers often feel ready for the next level. I think he’s on the right track currently. But it depends on the car's position next year and its handling. That’s likely the most critical aspect for the team right now. So there are several factors at play, but as a driver, he’s prepared. If you’re ready for Formula 1, you’re also ready for that car."

      Technically, Lawson himself still has a chance for a return to Red Bull Racing, but he downplayed that possibility. "Honestly, it’s not something I dwell on," he said. "I don’t know when a decision will be made or what the current situation is. As drivers, we’re concentrating on these races—that’s all I'm focused on at the moment. We still have nine races left this year, and a lot can occur."

      For now, Lawson's priority is simply to stay on the grid. "For me, it’s about securing a seat in Formula 1," he admitted. "It’s been a very busy year with everything that has happened, so I’m more focused on securing a seat and having a strong finish to the season."