Formula One: The challenge Liam Lawson faces from Isack Hadjar to reclaim senior Red Bull spot

• Liam Lawson finished 17th at the Japanese Grand Prix after a pit stop gamble failed.
• Isack Hadjar secured 8th place, outperforming Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda at Suzuka.
• Lawson will be compared to Hadjar in his efforts to rejoin Red Bull’s senior team for 2026.

As Liam Lawson begins his new Formula One era with Racing Bulls, a new challenge has arisen if he’s to get back into Red Bull’s senior team for 2026.

The 23-year-old claimed 17th place in Formula One’s Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka over the weekend after a pit stop gamble did not reap the rewards they had hoped for.

He was bested by his teammate, Formula One rookie Isack Hadjar, who took home eighth place on his third outing for the squad, also beating out Lawson’s replacement Yuki Tsunoda.

The race was Lawson’s first back with Racing Bulls after being demoted two weeks ago. Commentators have said Lawson will need to better Hadjar and win handily if he wants another chance with the world championship contenders.

Liam Lawson's performances at Racing Bulls will be measured against French teammate Isack Hadjar. Photo / Clive Mason, Red Bull

Who is Isack Hadjar?

Hadjar is quickly working up the ranks of the Formula One world after a strong finish in Suzuka.

This is the 20-year-old’s first season, in which he competes under the French flag.

He has been a member of the Red Bull junior side since 2022 before he signed for Racing Bulls at the end of 2024, making his debut in Melbourne.

After crashing out on the formation lap on his debut, he responded with 11th in China.

Isack Hadjar at the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka Circuit on April 06 in Suzuka, Japan.

Hadjar qualified seventh over the weekend, only getting beaten out by Sir Lewis Hamilton during the race to cross the line eighth.

Finishing nine places ahead of Lawson over the weekend, Hadjar has now positioned himself as the better driver over the Kiwi and former teammate Tsunoda, who was promoted over him.

Both Racing Bulls drivers qualified faster than their Red Bull senior stablemates, with Hadjar crossing the line with a best time of 1m 28.518s, 0.041s in front of Lawson.

Lawson helped Hadjar’s charge by holding up Alex Albon’s Williams on a fresher set of tyres during the race even though he has now technically become the young Kiwi’s biggest rival.

Liam Lawson leads Racing Bulls teammate Isack Hadjar at Suzuka. Photo / Red Bull

With both drivers now behind the wheel of the same car, Lawson needs to beat Hadjar going forward if he wants to have a shot at being put back in alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull.

Verstappen took home the win, his first victory of 2025. It was his fourth consecutive win on the notoriously difficult Suzuka track.

McLaren pair Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri finished second and third respectively, further increasing the team’s lead at the top of the constructors championship.

Lawson’s Red Bull rival Yuki Tsunoda - who replaced Lawson after he was demoted - crossed the line in 12th place after qualifying 15th, and starting 14th.

He also took home driver of the day after managing to make up two places on the podium through overtaking, more than any other driver was able to with the slim chances the track provides.

The Formula One season continues on April 14, as the 10 teams head to the Middle East for the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Rachel Maher is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. She has worked for the Herald since 2022.

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