Lawson reveals 'biggest challenge' of Red Bull switch

ZANDVOORT, Netherlands – When Liam Lawson received the Wednesday call informing him he would replace Isack Hadjar at Red Bull for the Zandvoort round, the New Zealander wasn't just preparing for one race – he was preparing for two completely different cars. The P7 result and 6 points scored that weekend exceeded expectations. But what Lawson describes as the 'biggest challenge' isn't about speed or on-track competition. It lies in the fundamental difference between the Red Bull RB21 and the Racing Bulls car he had driven for most of the season. 'They're different everywhere, other than the power unit,' Lawson said. 'Red Bull's high-speed grip is the most impressive thing. The balance of the car is very different – including the feedback through the steering and the way it moves around.' This is a rare natural experiment in F1: the same driver, same tires, same circuit, but two different chassis. Lawson is one of the few drivers in the paddock who can directly compare two cars from the same group in the same season. The difference doesn't stop on track. Lawson revealed that even in the simulator, the two cars feel very different. This confirms the fidelity of Red Bull's simulator program – a tool that can accurately reproduce car-character differences is a significant development advantage. Tactically, Lawson had to handle a unique situation: preparing for both teams simultaneously. He talked to both teams' engineers to stay ready for every scenario. 'I knew there was still a chance, it felt late, but there was enough time for a simulator session and normal prep,' he said. Zandvoort was a Sprint weekend, with only one practice session – the harshest possible condition for a driver switching cars. Monza, by contrast, is a normal weekend with three practice sessions. Lawson admits this 'should be easier to adjust' and represents 'another good opportunity.' But Monza presents a different challenge. It's the lowest-downforce circuit on the calendar, testing straight-line speed and braking stability more than high-speed cornering grip – the attribute Lawson identified as the RB21's greatest strength. Tire degradation, particularly on the front-left under braking, will test his adaptation more than raw pace. This driver rotation also sends a clear internal signal. Yuki Tsunoda, promoted to Red Bull after the Japanese Grand Prix, is now moved back to Racing Bulls to fill the vacancy. This is the second time this season Red Bull has shuffled its lineup – an unusual instability for a top team. In essence, Lawson is auditioning for a 2026 Red Bull seat. His Monza performance will be directly compared to Tsunoda's results at Racing Bulls. Hadjar's wrist injury has created a cascading opportunity structure: giving Lawson a second chance, forcing Tsunoda back, and potentially accelerating the 2026 driver market evaluation. The truth is, Red Bull is using this period for long-term assessment. With the 2026 regulation change – new power units and chassis – the team needs to lock in its driver lineup early to maximize development continuity. The current rotation is part of that decision-making process. Lawson doesn't appear overconfident. He's honest about the difficulty: 'It's a very different car to drive, including the feedback through the steering and the way it moves around.' This honesty is a good sign – it shows he doesn't overestimate his abilities. The question for Monza: will three practice sessions be enough for Lawson to close the adaptation gap? And more importantly, will his performance be convincing enough for Red Bull to offer him an official seat in 2026? There are 20 cars on track, but the real race happens between two brains. Lawson is proving he can handle both – simultaneously. The gray area isn't a place lacking light. It's where F1 is most real. And Lawson has been living in that gray area all week.