Lawson: Mekies bond makes Red Bull return 'nicer' than Horner era

Liam Lawson says his latest Red Bull call-up feels smoother due to his relationship with Laurent Mekies, unlike his brief 2025 stint under Christian Horner.

The Kiwi was promoted last year but lasted only two races before being demoted. Now filling in for the injured Isack Hadjar, he has scored points in two of three races, including sixth in Madrid.

Why it matters:

Lawson's outings have revived questions about Red Bull's driver plans. With Hadjar set to return, these races serve as an audition for a permanent seat, while also showing the leadership shift under Mekies.

The details:

• On the bosses: "I didn't spend long enough to really get to know [Horner]," Lawson said. "I've spent much more time with Laurent."
• Comfort factor: He credited his Racing Bulls time under Mekies for making the transition "a bit nicer."
• Cross-team learning: Lawson noted the cars are "completely different," so technical knowledge can't be transferred, though operational ideas can.
• Results: P7 at Zandvoort and P6 in Madrid have strengthened his case.

Between the lines:

His comments subtly highlight how brief his first Red Bull stint was. The current situation benefits from trust built over a full season at Racing Bulls.

What's next:

Hadjar's return will likely send Lawson back to Racing Bulls. But continued strong form could make him a serious contender for a future senior seat.