‘It’s going to be challenging’ – Lawson shares reaction to Red Bull opportunity in Zandvoort

Liam Lawson has shared his thoughts ahead of his return to Red Bull at the Dutch Grand Prix, with the New Zealander expecting a “challenging” but “exciting” weekend as he prepares to substitute for Isack Hadjar.

It was confirmed on Wednesday that Hadjar would be unable to participate in the event at Zandvoort after sustaining a wrist injury, meaning that Lawson would step up from sister outfit Racing Bulls to replace the Frenchman. Yuki Tsunoda, meanwhile, will fill in for Lawson.

The news marks Lawson’s first race for Red Bull since his brief two-round stint for the squad in 2025, with the team subsequently deciding to demote him back to Racing Bulls in a direct swap with Tsunoda.

Quizzed on his emotions at returning to the Milton Keynes-based outfit, Lawson explained during Thursday’s media day in Zandvoort: “It's obviously not what I expected coming into this weekend, but it’s a good opportunity.

“We've had quite a good season so far this year. For me, I'm just focused on trying to continue that this weekend, although it's in a different car. That's what I'm focused on.”

Having enjoyed a strong run during the first half of 2026 with Racing Bulls, Lawson was also asked if he felt more confident this time around at Red Bull.

“Overall, for sure in terms of just being in Formula 1,” the 24-year-old answered. “I've had a lot more races since then as well. I feel much more comfortable racing in this sport, but it's going to be a very challenging weekend, for sure.

“It’s a Sprint weekend, so it's going to be a quick learning process tomorrow. But that's what we're focused on, that’s what we tried to do yesterday in the simulator. If we can try and speed up that learning process as much as possible, then that would help our weekend.”

In terms of how he found out about the opportunity, Lawson said: “I just landed on Monday from the break, being on holiday. I had a call, literally I hadn't even left the plane yet and I was speaking to Alan [Permane], and basically they let me know.

“The week quickly changed from what it was going to be to Red Bull prep. It's going to be challenging – there are obviously differences between the cars, but I'll try and learn as much as I can as quickly as I can tomorrow.

“As long as for me I've done all the preparation I can, which I feel like I have, except in the fact it's going to be tough for sure. Outside of that, I'm going to try and enjoy it as well. It's a track I've enjoyed racing at in the past, obviously it's the last time we're here as well. I’m going to try and enjoy the weekend, but there are definitely going to be challenges that we face.”

Pushed on what the biggest challenge will be, Lawson added: “Probably the new car, but obviously everything else that comes with it. As challenging as it's going to be, it's also very exciting.

“We'll try and make the most of tomorrow. I'm sure getting in the car at the start of practice is going to be quite foreign and take a bit of getting used to, but I honestly think trying to learn as much as I can through even the Sprint Qualifying and Sprint, and being as prepared for Quali on Saturday, that’s probably the target.”

The driver also quashed any suggestions of his return to Red Bull feeling like a victory after being replaced at the squad last year.

“Honestly, it feels like a long time ago and it's such a different circumstance now as well, obviously now being one week,” said Lawson. “I haven't really looked at it like that. For me we've had a really good year so far, and obviously I'm grateful to have been chosen for something like this.

“But I'm really focused on trying to get something out of the weekend. It would be great to do that and have a good weekend, but I'm sure it's going to be challenging.”