Former Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner believes Liam Lawson is “mentally tougher” as a result of his demotion from Red Bull last year.
Lawson lasted just two rounds at the Milton Keynes-based squad last year as he struggled for form alongside Max Verstappen.
However, he got a second chance last time out at the Dutch Grand Prix as he was called up to replace an injured Isack Hadjar.
The New Zealander impressed as he lapped close to Verstappen before ending the race in seventh place, adding more points to his tally.
Steiner detailed the performance showcased how much more confidence he now possesses compared to 18 months ago.
“Last year’s car was difficult to drive for anybody,” Steiner told 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.”
One major difference at Red Bull this year is the absence of Helmut Marko, who was often very strict when it came to driver line-ups.
Steiner believes Marko’s exit at the end of 2025 has put less pressure on Lawson’s shoulders.
“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.”