Latest news with #IsackHadjar
NZ Herald
4 days ago
- Automotive
- NZ Herald
Formula 1 result: Liam Lawson takes eighth-place at Belgian Grand Prix, comprehensively beats Racing Bulls teammate
Liam Lawson has achieved his third points finish of the 2025 Formula One season, and comprehensively bettered teammate Isack Hadjar to take eighth place at the Belgian Grand Prix.
CNA
24-07-2025
- Automotive
- CNA
Mekies move to Red Bull could be 'useful' for Hadjar
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium :Isack Hadjar reacted on Thursday to Laurent Mekies' promotion from Racing Bulls boss to Red Bull as replacement for Christian Horner by saying it could be "useful" for his own Formula One prospects. The 20-year-old French rookie is a prime candidate to join four-times world champion Max Verstappen at Red Bull in place of Japanese Yuki Tsunoda, who has struggled to make an impact after moving up from Racing Bulls. "If I had to work with him (Mekies), it would be easier, that's for sure. It would sound more familiar," Hadjar told reporters ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix when it was suggested his compatriot's move stood him in good stead. "I can't hide it, it's useful. For sure. But we'll see. Twelve more races so I need to keep pushing. You're only as good as your last race." Hadjar said he was driving the simulator at the team factory when he heard about Horner's surprise dismissal on July 9, with Alan Permane taking over from Mekies as Racing Bulls boss. "It doesn't really change much for me at the moment," he continued. "Alan is someone I know really well before. He was always quiet, you don't see him often but he's been a big part of the team so far. "He's been very close to Laurent, Laurent has built something very solid over the last two years and now he's just taking it (on). It doesn't change anything to the team or to my approach." Hadjar, who has scored 21 points in 12 races this season with a best result of sixth in Monaco, said Mekies had been good to work with as someone from an engineering background. "I think Laurent was really appreciated in the team. A bit of sadness obviously (to see him go)," he added. Teammate Liam Lawson, who started the season at Red Bull and dropped back to Racing Bulls after two races to make way for Tsunoda, said the changes made little difference and he was focusing on the coming races. "I don't think we have lost anything with regards to Alan filling his (Mekies') position but I think something that Laurent has been very, very good at is leading the team and having everybody around him, I guess having the motivation very high," he added. "He was very, very good for that. Works very, very hard. He is (was) always here." Lawson said Horner's departure had come as a surprise and he found out after a press release was issued. He said he exchanged texts with the Briton subsequently. "I'm sure the communication with Laurent will stay as it has been because he's somebody that is very in terms of what it means for my future, I honestly don't know at this point," he added.
Reuters
24-07-2025
- Automotive
- Reuters
Mekies move to Red Bull could be 'useful' for Hadjar
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium, July 24 (Reuters) - Isack Hadjar reacted on Thursday to Laurent Mekies' promotion from Racing Bulls boss to Red Bull as replacement for Christian Horner by saying it could be "useful" for his own Formula One prospects. The 20-year-old French rookie is a prime candidate to join four-times world champion Max Verstappen at Red Bull in place of Japanese Yuki Tsunoda, who has struggled to make an impact after moving up from Racing Bulls. "If I had to work with him (Mekies), it would be easier, that's for sure. It would sound more familiar," Hadjar told reporters ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix when it was suggested his compatriot's move stood him in good stead. "I can't hide it, it's useful. For sure. But we'll see. Twelve more races so I need to keep pushing. You're only as good as your last race." Hadjar said he was driving the simulator at the team factory when he heard about Horner's surprise dismissal on July 9, with Alan Permane taking over from Mekies as Racing Bulls boss. "It doesn't really change much for me at the moment," he continued. "Alan is someone I know really well before. He was always quiet, you don't see him often but he's been a big part of the team so far. "He's been very close to Laurent, Laurent has built something very solid over the last two years and now he's just taking it (on). It doesn't change anything to the team or to my approach." Hadjar, who has scored 21 points in 12 races this season with a best result of sixth in Monaco, said Mekies had been good to work with as someone from an engineering background. "I think Laurent was really appreciated in the team. A bit of sadness obviously (to see him go)," he added. Teammate Liam Lawson, who started the season at Red Bull and dropped back to Racing Bulls after two races to make way for Tsunoda, said the changes made little difference and he was focusing on the coming races. "I don't think we have lost anything with regards to Alan filling his (Mekies') position but I think something that Laurent has been very, very good at is leading the team and having everybody around him, I guess having the motivation very high," he added. "He was very, very good for that. Works very, very hard. He is (was) always here." Lawson said Horner's departure had come as a surprise and he found out after a press release was issued. He said he exchanged texts with the Briton subsequently. "I'm sure the communication with Laurent will stay as it has been because he's somebody that is very in terms of what it means for my future, I honestly don't know at this point," he added.
1News
05-07-2025
- Automotive
- 1News
Formula 1: What Lawson needs to do to keep his race seat for 2026
It's no understatement to say that Liam Lawson has had a roller coaster of a 2025 Formula 1 season. The 23-year-old was promoted to top team Red Bull Racing at the end of 2024, after a six-race stint last season at junior team Racing Bulls in replacement of Daniel Ricciardo. But after just two underwhelming races to start the season, Lawson was dropped – swiftly demoted back to junior outfit Racing Bulls and replaced by Yuki Tsunoda, a switch many labelled as 'harsh'. Since then, Lawson has been steadily rebuilding his confidence and gaining back his previously impressive form. And after many flashes of promise and, arguably, many unlucky weekends, Lawson's hard work was rewarded with a career-best sixth place finish at last week's Austrian Grand Prix- the home race of Red Bull. While things are starting to look up for the Kiwi, Lawson still remains without a race seat for next year. And having only out-performed rookie teammate Isack Hadjar twice this season, Lawson could be at high-risk of missing out on a spot on next year's grid. ADVERTISEMENT With the season approaching the halfway point and many young, talented drivers waiting in the wings – including 17-year-old Red Bull Junior driver Arvid Lindblad – Lawson has a point to prove and a future to secure. So, what can the Kiwi driver do to keep his race seat in the cut-throat world of Formula 1? Points, points, and more points. Midfield teams like Racing Bulls can't afford DNFs or anonymous weekends – and Lawson's path to a full-time seat relies on bringing the car home in the top 10 regularly. His P8 finish in Monaco showcased his racecraft and composure under pressure. In a strategic team move to maximise points for teammate Isack Hadjar, Lawson managed to hold back more than half the field with his defensive driving, earning him the nickname Liam 'The Shield' Lawson. : Liam Lawson of New Zealand driving the (30) Visa Cash App Racing Bulls VCARB 02 on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 25, 2025 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Source: Getty) He backed that up in Austria, defending two-time world champion Fernando Alonso in DRS range for almost the entire race, while managing his tyres through a tough one stop strategy. ADVERTISEMENT If Lawson can keep up performances like these, along with consistent Q3 appearances in qualifying, he'll not only boost his confidence but also prove indispensable to a team chasing Constructors' Championship points. Outperforming his teammate Lawson's teammate Isack Hadjar may be a rookie, but he has had a stand-out start to his Formula 1 career, impressing many with his maturity and ability to consistently perform in a midfield car. The French driver has scored 21 points across the 11 races so far, while Lawson has only managed to score 12. Lawson, who has more F1 race experience under his belt, can't afford to be outshone by the new kid on the block if he's hoping to keep his spot on the team for 2026. Whether it's during qualifying or on race days, being the number one driver proves to be crucial now more than ever. Beating Hadjar across the season – on pace, points, and racecraft – would solidify Lawson as a strong and reliable option for the team. But until he is able to do that consistently, Lawson may continue to remain in the shadow of his teammate. ADVERTISEMENT Keeping it clean on and off the track Lawson's 'aggressive' driving style in Formula 1 has earned him a mix of both praise and criticism. While it's provided many exciting and memorable race moments, it's also caused a few on-track incidents, including high-speed collisions and penalties that have at times jeopardised his race results. Liam Lawson and Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso have a heated discussion after an on-track battle during the 2024 United States Grand Prix sprint race. (Source: Getty) The Racing Bulls driver has also come under fire for several altercations with other drivers during his time in in the sport. Most notably last season, where Lawson faced backlash after flipping the bird to Red Bull driver Sergio Perez on track at the Mexico City Grand Prix. In a sport where consistency and control are prized just as highly as speed, Lawson needs to show he can channel that intensity more constructively. ADVERTISEMENT If Lawson is able to keep the aggression but dial down the recklessness, it could go long way toward proving he's ready for a long-term seat in Formula 1. The bottom line? Liam Lawson has got what it takes. Only 20 of the world's fastest drivers make it to Formula 1, but staying there is the real challenge. With the British Grand Prix approaching, Lawson has a key window to back up his successful Austria result and make his mark. If he can deliver when it counts and show he's matured as a driver, he'll give himself every chance of staying on the grid in 2026. By Bianca Day
RNZ News
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- RNZ News
Liam Lawson has a new look for Silverstone
The new livery Racing Bulls will use at Silverstone this weekend. Photo: VCARB / Red Bull Content Pool / Supplied Fresh off his best ever result in Formula 1 New Zealand driver Liam Lawson has got a new livery on his car. Lawson and Racing Bulls team-mate Isack Hadjar have shown off their new look just days out from the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. The team launched a new collaboration with Nigerian artist Slawn. The caricature style street art will also be seen across the drivers' race suits and team kit. It is their second new look of the season after going with a pink concept for the Miami Grand Prix. Lawson finished sixth at last weekend's Austrian Grand Prix and is hoping to take the same form into this weekend's 12th round in Britain. The 23 year old is 15th in the F1 drivers' championship with 12 points, while Racing Bulls is sixth in the constructors' championship.
