Expert suggests Liam Lawson helped Max Verstappen return to form
Tuesday 13 October 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Liam Lawson, Red Bull Racing, Max Verstappen, Formula One, Kimi Antonelli
Max Verstappen has achieved back-to-back victories in Singapore's sprint and grand prix. An expert suggests Liam Lawson's recent stint with Red Bull Racing may have helped the team improve its car performance.
Key facts
4 facts
- Max Verstappen won the Singapore sprint and grand prix
- Liam Lawson replaced Isack Hadjar for three races in August and September
- Lawson is currently leading the 'best of the rest' drivers by 25 points
- Racing Bulls is considering Formula Two driver Nikola Tsolov for a seat
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Max Verstappen achieved back-to-back victories in Singapore, winning both the sprint race and the grand prix. This performance moved the Dutchman to fifth in the drivers' standings following early season difficulties.
Former technical director Gary Anderson suggested that Liam Lawson's three-week stint at Red Bull Racing may have assisted the team's resurgence. Lawson replaced Isack Hadjar for three races in the Netherlands, Italy, and Spain after Hadjar suffered a fractured wrist.
Anderson noted that Lawson's experience with the more driver-friendly Racing Bulls car might have helped Red Bull hone the setup of the RB22. The expert suggested Lawson's presence could have helped move the car into a better operating window.
While power unit improvements are considered a major factor, Lawson's insight is viewed as a potential piece of the performance puzzle. Meanwhile, a decision regarding Lawson's future at Racing Bulls is expected in the coming weeks.
Where reports differ
- One report notes Verstappen's performance in Singapore was even more impressive than his previous weekend in Malaysia
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald and Stuff.
