Liam Lawson credits Isack Hadjar's rookie performance as a learning opportunity

Liam Lawson has revealed that being paired with the rapid rookie Isack Hadjar at Racing Bulls provided an unexpected learning curve during the 2026 Formula 1 season. The duo formed a formidable partnership mid-season, contributing the vast majority of the team's points and helping secure sixth in the constructors' championship.

Why it matters:

A driver's teammate is often their primary benchmark. Lawson's acknowledgment that he learned from a rookie highlights Hadjar's exceptional immediate impact and suggests a healthy, productive dynamic within the Racing Bulls garage. This kind of environment is crucial for driver development and team performance, especially for a squad operating as a key feeder to the senior Red Bull team.

The details:

• Lawson and Hadjar were paired from the Japanese Grand Prix onward, following Lawson's move from Red Bull.
• Together, they scored 89 of Racing Bulls' 92 total points, with Hadjar securing a podium in the Netherlands and Lawson taking a best finish of fifth in Azerbaijan.
• Lawson praised Hadjar's speed and rapid adaptation to Formula 1, calling his season "a great first year."
• Beyond on-track performance, Lawson pointed to the "positive" impact of their collaborative social media content, which helped shape public perception of the team.

The big picture:

This partnership served as a critical proving ground for Red Bull's driver program. Hadjar's performance was so convincing it earned him a promotion to partner Max Verstappen at the senior team for 2027. For Lawson, the season was a period of intense learning and adaptation. His experience alongside a standout rookie, combined with the team's overall positive atmosphere, provided valuable lessons as he carves out his own path in the sport.