Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar commented on Christian Horner’s recent axing and the resulting leadership overhaul at Red Bull and its sister team, Racing Bulls, ahead of the F1 Belgian GP.
The domino effect stemming from Horner’s shock mid-season sacking has led to several key leadership changes at both teams. Frenchman Laurent Mekies has moved up from Racing Bulls to take over from Horner. He will debut trackside as Red Bull’s new team principal this weekend. In his place, Alan Permane steps up as team boss at Racing Bulls.
Speaking to media ahead of the Belgian GP, the Racing Bulls drivers gave their thoughts on the events that unfolded in the break since Silverstone.
Lawson on Horner’s axing from Red Bull
Lawson was asked about his reaction to Horner’s dismissal, which came just days after the British GP, and the subsequent leadership shake-up at both affected teams.
The 23-year old admitted he learned of the news “probably the same as everybody else, in the media.”
“I would say it wasn’t something we expected,” he told written media on Thursday. “But things obviously change in Formula 1. I think for me, yes, it was surprising.
“It was surprising having these changes, but it doesn’t really change too much from my point of view of what I’m trying to achieve, what I’m working on.”
Lawson had previously worked with Horner during his brief stint as a Red Bull driver in early 2025 before switching seats with Tsunoda and returning to Racing Bulls.
“I mean, it was definitely a tough thing to go through, and I feel like I made it pretty clear that I didn’t think it was obviously the right thing to do,” he said of the decision to demote him after just two race weekends with the team.
“But it’s a professional relationship as well.
“When we’re working here, it’s all very professional. And for that, it didn’t change too much, and we didn’t have too much time to really think about things. I was straight into another race weekend, and it felt like it’s been like that since, honestly.”
Lawson welcomes the leadership changes
Lawson believes both teams are in good hands moving forward.
“I mean, obviously, big changes,” he told Sky Sports. “But for us, not a lot changes, at least from my side. As drivers, for us, nothing is really changing. We still approach the weekends the same way.
“For Laurent, I’m sure he’s going to be very, very good at Red Bull. And for us, having Alan, who’s obviously been on the team now for a couple of years with us, it’s perfect, honestly, for us. So, yeah, for us, I think it’s exciting.”
Praise for Mekies’ “work ethic”
Lawson spoke highly of Racing Bulls’ departing team principal, praising the Frenchman’s dedication and the work he’d put in while heading up the team since the start of the 2024 season.
He later added during a written media session: “Honestly, at this point, it’s hard to say. For the team, having somebody like Laurent coming in is great. Laurent’s somebody who’s done amazing things for our team, and he’s somebody I’ve really enjoyed working with. And I think he brings a lot with him to Red Bull Racing.
“Just having his presence has been very, very nice, but obviously he’s still well within the Red Bull family. And for Alan, he’s somebody who’s been in the team now for a couple of years, and somebody that I think is very well suited for this position and has relationships with everybody and is very motivated as well to carry on Laurent’s form with what he was doing. And we’re all very excited for that.”
Could Mekies’ new role at Red Bull see Lawson return to the team?
Lawson continued: “I don’t think we’ve lost anything with regards to Alan filling his position, but I think something that Laurent has been very, very good at is leading the team and having everybody around him and, I guess, having the motivation very high and the work ethic very high in the team. He was very, very good for that; worked very, very hard.
“I think every single race weekend, he’s here on a Thursday, probably one of the first guys to arrive normally. And I guess to show everybody in the team that is very important.”
Asked whether Mekies’ new position at Red Bull could aid his own chances of returning to the team, Lawson remained cautious: “I’m sure the communication with Laurent will stay as it has been, because he’s somebody that is very supportive, as I said, through everything. But in terms of what it means for my future, honestly, I don’t know at this point.”
Hadjar on “great relationship” with Horner
Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar revealed he was “on the sim” when the news of Horner’s axing was made public.
“Quite disappointing, to be honest, when I heard the news,” he told Sky Sports. “Because, I mean, I had a great relationship with him.
“I mean, I still have. I still will. It’s just, yeah, it’s a bit sad for every team member because he was very appreciated. But I’m very happy for him and his new missions now.”
Hadjar has impressed with a strong rookie campaign, prompting speculation about a possible promotion to Red Bull in the near future.
“I hope if there’s someone who knows I’m fast, that’s him [Mekies],” Hadjar said. “So it can always help, I’m not going to lie, yes.”
He added that it’s “past his competence” to comment on Mekies’ F1 credentials, but backed the Frenchman’s ability to succeed in the new role, saying, “I mean, I’m a driver, you know. I’m not a team principal or director. I don’t know what quality you need, what’s required.
“But having worked with him for 12 races, he’s very high level. So I don’t think it’s going to be tough for him.”
