Liam Lawson’s brief stint with Red Bull may not have gone as planned, but it is far from the end of his F1 journey
With continued effort and strong performances at Racing Bulls, he has the potential to return stronger than ever.
For Red Bull, this situation once again highlights their aggressive approach to driver management. While it has brought them great success, it also raises concerns about whether young talents are given the time and environment to reach their full potential.
Ultimately, only time will tell whether this decision was the right one—for both Lawson and Red Bull.
Liam Lawson’s journey in Formula 1 is far from over. While his demotion might seem like a setback, it provides him with the opportunity to grow without the immediate pressures of a top team.
Meanwhile, Yuki Tsunoda steps into a crucial role where he must prove himself alongside Max Verstappen.
Only time will tell if Red Bull’s decision was the right one, but for now, Lawson must embrace his new challenge and use it as motivation for a future return to the top.
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Red Bull’s Decision to Drop Liam Lawson
A Tough Call for Red Bull
Red Bull’s recent decision to drop Liam Lawson from their main F1 team has sparked widespread discussion among fans and experts.1
While some agree with Christian Horner’s rationale, others argue that Lawson was not given a fair chance to prove himself.
This article delves into the circumstances surrounding the decision, Lawson’s short tenure with the team, and what the future might hold for the young driver.
Wearing this to work.
📸 willcorneliusphotography @redbullracing pic.twitter.com/ocO4M6YRdD
— Liam Lawson (@LiamLawson30) February 17, 2025
Was Red Bull Too Quick to Drop Lawson?
One of the biggest criticisms of Red Bull’s decision is the timing. Many experts and fans believe that dropping Lawson after just two races was premature.
Young drivers often take time to adapt to new cars and competition levels.
Historically, Red Bull has been known for its ruthless approach to driver management. Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon both faced similar fates when they were unable to deliver consistent performances in the Red Bull seat.
It raises the question: is Red Bull’s environment too cutthroat for young drivers to develop properly?
Liam Lawson’s Promotion: A Bold Yet Risky Gamble
Liam Lawson’s promotion to Red Bull as Max Verstappen’s teammate ahead of the 2025 season was an unexpected but exciting move.2
He was chosen over Yuki Tsunoda, a more experienced driver within the Red Bull Racing setup. Many saw this as an indication of the team’s belief in his raw talent and potential.
However, despite his promising track record in junior categories and as a reserve driver, his experience in actual F1 races was limited.
Before his full-time promotion, he had only competed in 11 Grand Prix races over two seasons. Was this an unfair burden on a young driver, or should he have been better prepared for the challenge?
Struggles in Melbourne and China: A Rough Start
The season opener in Melbourne was an eye-opener. Lawson struggled with the RB21, a car that was already known to be challenging to handle.
His failure to make it out of Q1 in qualifying raised concerns about whether he could adapt quickly enough.
Things went from bad to worse in China. He found himself at the back of the grid, qualifying P20 in both the sprint and the main Grand Prix. With two disappointing performances, the pressure mounted on Red Bull to make a swift decision. Unfortunately for Lawson, his early struggles cost him his seat.
Horner’s Explanation: ‘We Asked Too Much, Too Soon’
Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, addressed the decision in an interview with Sky Sports. He admitted that the team had possibly put too much pressure on Lawson at such an early stage of his career.
“Of course, it’s horrible because you’re taking away someone’s dreams and aspirations, but sometimes you’ve got to be cruel to be kind.
I think that in this instance, this is not the end for Liam,” Horner said. His words suggest that while Lawson’s time with Red Bull is over for now, the door may not be entirely closed.
Horner emphasized that the young Kiwi driver needed more time to mature and refine his skills. By placing him back at Racing Bulls, the team aims to nurture his talent without the pressure of delivering immediate results.
Tsunoda Steps In: A Second Chance for the Japanese Star
With Lawson out, Red Bull turned to Yuki Tsunoda to fill the vacant seat. The Japanese driver has been part of the Red Bull and Honda program for years, making him a natural choice for the promotion.
Tsunoda’s promotion also holds symbolic importance, as he will make his debut for the senior team at his home Grand Prix in Japan.
His experience and familiarity with Red Bull’s development pipeline may give him a better chance of succeeding in a pressure-filled environment.
Liam Lawson’s Future: Where Does He Go From Here?
While his demotion is undoubtedly disappointing, Lawson still has opportunities ahead.3
Being back at Racing Bulls means he will continue competing in F1 rather than being completely sidelined.
If he performs well at Racing Bulls, a return to Red Bull could still be on the table. The team’s driver lineup is never set in stone, and if Tsunoda or Perez fail to deliver, Lawson might find himself back in contention.
Outside of Red Bull’s program, other teams may take an interest in him. With his impressive performances in the past, there’s a strong chance another F1 team could offer him a seat in the future.
Fan and Expert Reactions: Mixed Opinions
The decision to remove Lawson has divided opinions in the F1 community. Some fans argue that Red Bull acted too harshly, while others believe the team was justified in making a swift change.
Several experts, including former F1 drivers, have voiced their opinions.
While some agree that Red Bull is a results-driven team that cannot afford prolonged struggles, others highlight the importance of giving young drivers time to develop.
The Bigger Picture: Red Bull’s Approach to Young Drivers
Red Bull’s junior driver program has produced some of the best talents in F1 history, including Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen.
However, it has also been criticized for being excessively harsh on young drivers who struggle to deliver instant results.
The team’s rapid decision-making process often leaves little room for patience. While this strategy has worked in finding superstars, it has also led to careers being derailed.
Daniil Kvyat, Pierre Gasly, and Alex Albon all had short-lived stints at Red Bull, only to be demoted before getting a real chance to adjust.
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Liam Lawson to ‘Rebuild Himself’ at Racing Bulls
Red Bull’s recent decision to send Liam Lawson to Racing Bulls while keeping Yuki Tsunoda in the senior team has raised many eyebrows.
The move, orchestrated by Red Bull boss Christian Horner, was based on the necessity of immediate performance from their drivers and the experience that Tsunoda brings to car development.
As Lawson prepares to prove his worth once again, let’s dive into the key factors surrounding this decision and what it means for the drivers involved.
The Decision: Why Red Bull Chose Tsunoda Over Lawson
Christian Horner has been clear in his justification for keeping Yuki Tsunoda over Liam Lawson.
According to him, Red Bull needed a driver who could immediately contribute to the team’s development, particularly given the performance issues the car has faced.
“We’ve got work to do with the car,” Horner stated. “We need to improve the car. We need to draw on the experience that Yuki has.”
This statement highlights the team’s primary concern: maximizing results in the present rather than nurturing a young talent who still needs time to adapt.
Liam Lawson: Magazine Cover
Liam Lawson become the magazine cover face for GQ Australia following his back to back success in 2025.
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The Role of Experience in Red Bull’s Strategy
One of the biggest advantages Tsunoda holds over Lawson is his experience in Formula 1.
Having been with the team for a longer period, Tsunoda has accumulated more knowledge about the car’s development and how to extract performance from it.
While Lawson showcased talent during his substitute appearances, Red Bull’s priority was to ensure that their main team had an experienced driver who could handle the pressures of continuous car improvements.
Liam Lawson’s Challenge: Rebuilding at Racing Bulls
Although this decision might seem like a setback for Lawson, Christian Horner framed it as an opportunity for the young driver to rebuild himself in a less pressured environment.
“In the meantime, you (Lawson) need to go and rebuild yourself in the Racing Bulls, in an environment that you know and is perhaps slightly less pressured than Red Bull Racing.”
This suggests that Red Bull still sees potential in Lawson, but they want him to develop further before considering him for a top seat again.
Being part of the Red Bull system is notoriously challenging. The team has a history of being ruthless when it comes to promoting or demoting drivers. Lawson’s demotion is not an indication of his talent but rather a reflection of Red Bull’s high expectations.
Drivers like Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon have previously experienced similar treatment. Both had stints with the senior team but were eventually moved back to junior teams due to performance-related issues.
However, they managed to resurrect their careers elsewhere, proving that being sidelined by Red Bull does not necessarily mean the end of the road.
Yuki Tsunoda’s Big Opportunity
While Lawson is rebuilding himself, Tsunoda now finds himself in the biggest opportunity of his career.
Racing alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull is no easy task. The Dutchman is known for his dominance, and Tsunoda will have to prove that he can keep up.
Tsunoda’s selection shows that Red Bull has faith in his ability to contribute positively to the team. However, he will be under immense scrutiny. If he fails to meet expectations, the team may quickly look for another replacement.
Could Lawson Return to Red Bull in the Future?
The possibility of Lawson making a return to Red Bull remains open. If he performs exceptionally well at Racing Bulls, he could be reconsidered for a senior team seat in the future.
Red Bull has a history of recalling drivers who have impressed after being demoted, as seen with drivers like Daniil Kvyat and Pierre Gasly.
For now, his focus will be on proving himself in his new environment. Strong results, consistency, and continued development will be crucial for his comeback chances.
The Broader Implications for Red Bull’s Young Driver Program
Red Bull has one of the most competitive young driver programs in motorsport. The decision to send Lawson to Racing Bulls while keeping Tsunoda in the senior team reflects their approach to driver management.
They are not afraid to make difficult choices in pursuit of success.
This also serves as a message to other young drivers in their system: talent alone is not enough; they must continuously perform at the highest level to secure and maintain a seat at Red Bull Racing.
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