Racing Bulls CEO Bayer: “Liam Lawson Is Getting Back to His Old Self”

After a Tough Setback, Liam Lawson Begins His Comeback Journey

In the high-stakes world of Formula 1, few things sting more than losing your seat. For Liam Lawson, that sting was sharp and public. After a promising run with Racing Bulls—formerly AlphaTauri—Lawson found himself on the sidelines once again when the team made the tough decision to stick with its existing lineup.

But according to Racing Bulls CEO Peter Bayer, that tough chapter is now in the rear-view mirror. The young New Zealander is regaining his confidence, reconnecting with the team, and slowly but surely returning to the kind of form that once made him one of the hottest prospects in the Red Bull junior pipeline.

Settling Back into Familiar Surroundings

Bayer, who’s been vocal about creating a supportive and performance-focused culture within Racing Bulls, recently opened up about Liam Lawson’s journey back into the fold. Speaking candidly, he shared how the young driver initially struggled with the emotional fallout of losing his shot at a permanent seat.

“Of course, he didn’t lose his confidence completely,” Bayer said. “But to be honest, it did take him some time to digest everything that had happened. When I first saw him again in Italy, he looked a bit down. Things had happened so fast. It was a whirlwind, and I think it left him a little disoriented.”

Yet despite the emotional turbulence, Liam Lawson quickly found his footing again—helped in no small part by being back in a familiar environment. “He knew the people, he knew the car systems, the setups. And I could sense it pretty quickly: the old Liam was coming back,” Bayer added.

“He’s a great racer. And what’s more, he has an awesome sense of humor. We’ve started to see that side of him again, and that’s a good sign. He’s relaxed, he’s focused, and he’s excited to be back.”

Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls Team Photographer: Peter Fox

Rebuilding Reputation, One Weekend at a Time

Lawson’s results may not yet reflect his resurgence—he’s yet to score a point since returning to the cockpit—but for those inside the Racing Bulls garage, it’s clear that he’s on the right track. And in Formula 1, progress often starts behind the scenes before it shows up on the leaderboard.

Bayer described the experience of welcoming Liam Lawson back into the team as “genuinely enjoyable,” noting the comfort level that exists thanks to their long history together.

“We know him well,” Bayer said. “He’s part of the family here. I actually had breakfast with him this morning, and he was in a really good mood. He’s eager to race, and last week in Bahrain, he showed that the speed is still there. In Q1, he was on a similar pace to Isack [Hadjar]. In fact, the first and third sectors were nearly identical.”

Strategic Risks Cost Early Season Momentum

Racing Bulls’ season so far has been defined by bold choices—some that have paid off, and others that haven’t. Bayer admits that certain strategy calls, particularly early on, may have cost the team valuable points.

“We’ve had a few misfires when it comes to race strategy,” he acknowledged. “In Australia, we gambled by staying out on slicks, and in China we went for two pit stops. Those decisions definitely limited our scoring opportunities.”

But Bayer doesn’t regret taking risks—he sees them as part of the learning curve, especially for a team in transition. “Sometimes you have to take chances. And sometimes they don’t work out. But we’re also seeing growth. The team has made noticeable steps forward, especially since Melbourne.”

Technical Director Laurent Mekies and his crew have managed to unlock more performance from the car in recent weeks, and Bayer credits that progress with helping both drivers find a more consistent rhythm.

Hadjar Impressing in Rookie Season

While Liam Lawson’s return has drawn plenty of attention, Bayer also made sure to shine a light on the team’s rookie driver, Isack Hadjar. The French-Algerian youngster has quietly been putting together a strong debut season, showing flashes of serious potential both on and off the track.

“We’re really happy with Isack’s development,” Bayer said. “He’s still new to Formula 1, but he’s adapting quickly. On the track, he’s showing that he belongs here, and off the track, he’s got a professional mindset. He’s calm, focused, and very willing to learn.”

Hadjar’s maturity is part of what has made this a rewarding season for the team, even as they fight for every point in a tightly packed midfield.

Looking Ahead With Measured Optimism

So what’s next for Racing Bulls? According to Bayer, the focus is simple: keep building, keep learning, and let the results come naturally.

“We’ve had our ups and downs,” he admitted. “But I truly believe we’re in a good place. The car is more competitive than it was at the start of the season, and our drivers are motivated. Liam is finding his groove again, and Isack is learning at an incredible rate. There’s a sense of momentum.”

The atmosphere within the team is one of cautious optimism. No one is expecting miracles, but there’s a belief that the ingredients are there for Racing Bulls to steadily climb the order. And for Liam Lawson in particular, this season could be the start of a powerful redemption arc.

A Second Chance Worth Watching

In many ways, Liam Lawson’s story mirrors that of the team he drives for—underrated, often overlooked, but quietly working toward something bigger. He’s not just racing to prove he belongs in Formula 1. He’s racing to prove that he can thrive in it.

The fact that Racing Bulls continues to believe in him says a lot. And if Bayer’s words are any indication, Liam Lawson’s journey is far from over. In fact, it may just be getting started.

As the European leg of the season looms, all eyes will be on how Racing Bulls continues to evolve—and whether Liam Lawson can turn potential into points.