Red Bull Advisor Helmut Marko Defends Liam Lawson’s Team Switch as a Strategic Move, Not a Demotion
In a bold and strategic move, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has staunchly defended the decision to switch Liam Lawson from the main Red Bull team to Racing Bulls, emphasizing that it should not be labeled as a “demotion.”
After a disappointing start to the season with back-to-back scoreless weekends, Red Bull made the swift decision to replace Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda ahead of the upcoming race in Japan. However, Marko argues that this change is not a step down for Lawson but rather a calculated opportunity for him to thrive in a more familiar and competitive environment.
Despite Red Bull’s reputation for high performance, Marko highlights Racing Bulls’ competitive edge in 2025, with the VCARB 02 car being lauded for its stability compared to the unpredictable RB21. Marko asserts, “He’s moving to Racing Bulls, which has a very competitive car, much easier to handle than the RB21.”
Drawing parallels to past Red Bull drivers like Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon, Marko points out how they flourished outside the Red Bull stable after struggling alongside Max Verstappen. He notes, “Everyone had the same fate next to Max, but they bounced back and found their form again in a less competitive environment.”
Explaining the timing of Lawson’s switch, Marko reveals that Red Bull was concerned about Lawson’s dwindling morale affecting his performance, stating, “He was simply on the ropes, like a boxer. And when a boxer is on the ropes, you take him out of the ring.” Marko underscores that the availability of a second team allowed them to keep Lawson in Formula 1 and provide him with a chance to regroup and excel.
The move to Racing Bulls presents Lawson with a fresh start and an opportunity to showcase his skills in a supportive environment. Marko’s unwavering support for Lawson’s transition sends a clear message that this change is not a setback but a strategic maneuver to ensure Lawson’s long-term success in Formula 1.
