Nico Rosberg, the 2016 Formula 1 world champion, has expressed reservations regarding Liam Lawson’s long-term suitability for Red Bull Racing. Rosberg indicated that Red Bull’s driver selection criteria demand talent comparable to Max Verstappen or Sebastian Vettel, deeming anything less as insufficient.
Lawson is currently deputising for Isack Hadjar at Red Bull Racing, who sustained a fractured left wrist during training prior to the Dutch Grand Prix. Hadjar’s injury forced him to miss the Dutch, Italian, and Spanish Grands Prix.
During Hadjar’s absence, Yuki Tsunoda has filled Lawson’s seat at the sister team, Racing Bulls. The upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix is expected to see a late decision on whether Hadjar will return or if Lawson will continue in the Red Bull Racing car.
Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies confirmed that Hadjar’s recovery is progressing as anticipated. Mekies stated that Hadjar would undergo a simulator assessment before the Azerbaijan Grand Prix to determine his readiness to race.
Rosberg defended Hadjar’s extended recovery period, highlighting the extreme physical demands of driving a Formula 1 car with a wrist injury. He noted the significant G-forces and the necessity to push against the steering wheel during braking.
Lawson’s current stint with Red Bull Racing has yielded points finishes in two of his three races. He secured seventh place at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort and a sixth-place finish in Madrid at the Spanish Grand Prix.
His performance at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza was compromised by an engine penalty and subsequent race damage. This marks a notable improvement compared to his previous two-round tenure with Red Bull at the start of the 2025 season.
In 2025, Lawson struggled, qualifying 18th and 20th in his two appearances and failing to score points in Australia and China before being demoted back to Racing Bulls.
Prior to his recall to Red Bull Racing this season, Lawson had a strong start to the 2026 campaign with Racing Bulls. He scored points in eight of the opening 11 races, including a season-best seventh place in Canada.
Lawson currently holds ninth position in the Drivers’ Championship with 43 points. His consistent performances for Racing Bulls contributed to the team’s fifth-place standing in the Constructors’ Championship.
Rosberg’s assessment underscores Red Bull’s high expectations for its drivers. He told Sky F1 that the team seeks individuals who can emulate the success of multiple world champions.
‘The thing for Red Bull is they’re looking for the next Max Verstappen and the next Sebastian Vettel. Everything else is just not good enough.’
The 2027 driver market remains a topic of discussion within the Red Bull camp. Lawson is competing for a future seat alongside current Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad and Formula 2 championship leader Nikola Tsolov.
Reports suggest Red Bull is considering retaining its current four-driver line-up for 2027, with Verstappen and Hadjar at Red Bull Racing, and Lawson and Lindblad at Racing Bulls.
Nikola Tsolov, a Red Bull Junior Team member, has been linked with a move to Japan’s Super Formula in 2027, potentially combined with a reserve role at Racing Bulls. This pathway was previously utilized by both Lawson and Pierre Gasly.
Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane had previously identified Tsolov as ‘next in line’ for a potential Formula 1 promotion.
