Ex Haas Formula 1 Team Principal Guenther Steiner has labelled Liam Lawson as a “mentally tougher” driver in 2026 following his seventh-place finish at the Dutch Grand Prix.
Red Bull drafted in Lawson to replace the injured Isack Hadjar in Zandvoort, after the Frenchman broke his wrist ahead of the weekend.
Questions were raised over how the New Zealander would perform given his disastrous stint for the team in 2025 that saw him demoted back to Racing Bulls after just two races.
Instead, he performed at a level not seen during his time at Red Bull, qualifying one place behind Max Verstappen, just one tenth of a second slower.
His race pace was equally impressive, battling with Verstappen on the opening lap of the race prior to the Dutchman’s dramatic exit.
Although cut off from those in front of him, he still secured seventh at the chequered flag, the last of the cars on the lead lap.
Steiner praised Lawson’s performance, arguing he did not get enough time in what he hinted as a challenging car last season.
“Last year’s car was difficult to drive for anybody,” he said on the Red Flags podcast.
“I would also say Liam was not given enough time, as well. He has another year under his belt.
“What he went through there made him tougher mentally, because that’s not easy to [endure].
“And now he goes in a Red Bull and has got quite a good level of confidence.”
Helmut Marko’s exit a factor in improved Liam Lawson?
Steiner highlighted that Lawson’s improved performances may be down to the absence of Dr Helmut Marko, former director of Red Bull’s Young Driver programme. e
“He doesn’t need to look over his shoulder all the time because one guy is not there anymore as well, which always was asking immediately if somebody wasn’t bringing the performance,” he said.
“It was just also yet more experience, a different car. I think they are a little bit easier to drive than the cars from last year, the ground effect cars.
“Mentally, he was like ‘I cannot lose here. I do the best with what I can. I don’t focus on Max. I do my thing and try to do the best’.
“A lot of little things coming together, and all of a sudden it worked.”
Steiner has re-opened the debate on the intriguing dynasty from Red Bull’s former administration, arguing that stability influenced Lawson’s performance.
Lawson has yet to discover if he will race again for Red Bull in Monza, with a decision on Hadjar imminent.
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Originally published by motorsportweek.com —
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