Liam Lawson, the rising star of Red Bull Racing, has revealed a startling truth about his relationship with the team’s notorious advisor, Helmut Marko. It seems that Marko, known for his ruthless approach, only picks up the phone to call when things go south. After a stellar performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where Lawson qualified third and finished fifth, one might expect a congratulatory call. Instead, Lawson quipped, “Normally the phone calls are after the bad ones. So I haven’t heard much!”
This revelation sheds light on the cut-throat nature of Formula 1, where drivers live and die by their performance. Lawson, who started the season with high hopes, was abruptly demoted in favor of Yuki Tsunoda after just two lackluster races. Now, he finds himself fighting for his future with the Red Bull program, especially with rookie teammate Isack Hadjar outshining him. As the clock ticks down to the end of the 2025 season, Lawson remains unsigned for 2026, putting immense pressure on his upcoming performances.
The stakes are higher than ever as Lawson gears up for the Singapore Grand Prix, fully aware of how quickly fortunes can shift in this high-octane sport. “Personally, it’s great to have a result like that,” he said, reflecting on his Baku success. “But as much as you can say that you have momentum, it can change very quickly.” He understands that while the Baku result was a win, it does not guarantee future success. “We need more of that going through the next few races,” he emphasized.
With only seven weekends left in the 2025 campaign, Red Bull is poised to announce its 2026 driver line-up by the end of October. Speculation is rampant that F2 sensation Arvid Lindblad will be promoted to the Racing Bulls, leaving open seats alongside him and Max Verstappen. Currently, Hadjar is favored to secure one of those coveted spots, leaving Lawson in a precarious position.
“I’d love to know tomorrow, honestly,” said Lawson regarding his future. “But in this camp, it’s very normal to be left on hold a little bit.” The uncertainty is palpable, and Lawson knows all too well that his fate lies in his hands—specifically, his performance on the track.
Having been with Red Bull for six years, Lawson has become accustomed to the relentless pressure of the program, which is infamous for its rapid driver turnover. “Unless you’re on multi-year contracts – and even then, any contracts in Formula 1 can be broken,” he stated. “So the only time you’re secure is when you’re performing.” He acknowledged that very few drivers, aside from the elite, can feel completely safe in their positions.
“This isn’t a new feeling for me,” Lawson reflected, understanding the inherent nature of competition within the Red Bull ranks. “We’re introduced at a very young age knowing that the only way you step up through the ladder is by performing, and you have that pressure all the time.”
With the pressure mounting and uncertainty looming, Lawson’s next moves could very well determine his fate in the world of Formula 1. Will he rise to the occasion, or will he find himself on the sidelines as Red Bull’s driver shuffle continues? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: in the ruthless world of F1, every race is a battle for survival.
