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Liam Lawson Breaks Silence on Social Media Abuse: “I Wasn’t Ready for It”

Harry Bright by Harry Bright
December 21, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Liam Lawson Breaks Silence on Social Media Abuse: “I Wasn’t Ready for It”

Nov 20, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Visa Cash App RB driver Liam Lawson (30) reacts at Las Vegas Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Formula 1 rookie Liam Lawson is gearing up for his first full season in 2025, but the journey to the Red Bull seat hasn’t been without its challenges—on and off the track. In a candid revelation, the 22-year-old Kiwi shared his experience of dealing with social media abuse earlier this year, calling it one of the most unexpected and mentally taxing aspects of his career.


A Rookie’s Harsh Welcome

Lawson found himself thrust into the spotlight when he stepped in for Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull Racing following the Singapore Grand Prix. The decision to replace Ricciardo, a fan-favorite known for his charisma and humor, didn’t sit well with some fans. What followed was a torrent of hate and criticism directed at Lawson on various social media platforms.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Lawson admitted he was caught off guard by the intensity of the backlash.

“Originally, I saw a lot of [the abuse] because I didn’t expect it. I wasn’t ready for that,” Lawson said. “To be honest, I just don’t really go on social media at all anymore. I will post for my fanbase, but I won’t scroll or look through messages.”


Navigating a New Reality

For many drivers, the path to Formula 1 is marked by years of physical and mental preparation. But Lawson pointed out that no amount of training prepares a driver for the vitriol that can come with being in the public eye.

“You do the prep for F1 to be ready as a driver, and then you don’t really expect that kind of stuff, or you don’t really prepare for it, because you’re just focused on driving,” he explained.

Lawson’s strategy now? Disconnect. The young driver has drastically reduced his social media use, limiting his engagement to occasional posts to connect with his fans.


The Mental Toll of the Spotlight

The pressure of being an F1 driver is immense, with relentless physical demands, media scrutiny, and the ever-present need to perform. The added layer of online abuse can make the already grueling journey even more challenging.

Lawson’s situation echoes similar experiences shared by other drivers, including Max Verstappen, who has spoken about dealing with online toxicity. The Red Bull star has famously maintained a no-nonsense attitude toward social media, focusing instead on his on-track performance.


Looking Ahead: A New Chapter at Red Bull

As Lawson prepares to race alongside Verstappen in 2025, he will need not just physical resilience but mental fortitude to thrive in the high-stakes world of Formula 1. While Verstappen’s dominance will inevitably draw much of the attention, Lawson will be under the microscope as he looks to make his mark in his first full season.

The Kiwi driver’s ability to tune out the noise and focus on his craft will be critical. And if his maturity in addressing this social media storm is anything to go by, Lawson appears ready to take on the challenge.

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