Liam Lawson’s F1 Future Hangs by a Thread as Red Bull Chief Throws Support Amidst Uncertainty
In a dramatic turn of events leading up to the much-anticipated 2025 Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Kiwi racing sensation Liam Lawson finds himself at the crossroads of his Formula 1 career. With the spotlight firmly on him, the Racing Bulls’ team principal has stepped up to express unwavering support for the talented driver, whose future in the high-octane world of F1 is precariously hanging in the balance.
As Red Bull evaluates its roster, Max Verstappen remains the only driver with a guaranteed seat, leaving Lawson, Yuki Tsunoda, and Arvid Lindblad in a state of uncertainty. While Isack Hadjar seems to have secured his position, the question remains: will he partner Verstappen or spend another season with the junior team?
Lawson’s journey has been anything but smooth. After a rocky start that saw him qualify a dismal 18th in Australia and a staggering 20th in both the sprint and main race in China, the 23-year-old was forced to return to the Racing Bulls team, where he had made his initial debut. However, he’s been on a mission to reclaim his reputation, working tirelessly to restore his confidence and standing within the organization.
Alan Permane, the influential team principal at Racing Bulls, has come to Lawson’s defense, calling him an “exceptional talent” as he battles to secure his future with Red Bull and in F1. “When Liam returned to us after only two races, we knew there was work to be done, and I really appreciated his approach,” Permane stated. “I know that our drivers want to win a world championship with Red Bull, and in Liam’s case, we are working together to ensure that dream is still achievable.”
Reflecting on Lawson’s performance, Permane noted, “It took him four or five races to find the right confidence with a car he had never driven before. He also found himself up against a teammate who has everything it takes to be considered the best rookie of the season.” Yet, despite the challenges, Lawson has showcased his extraordinary skill, peaking with a stunning third-place qualifying in Baku, where he also secured a commendable fifth in the race.
After a shaky start upon his return to Racing Bulls, Lawson finally broke through at the Monaco GP, qualifying ninth and finishing eighth. Since then, he has gained momentum, notching four more points finishes over the last 12 races, including that standout performance in Azerbaijan. With a total of 30 points, Lawson is just nine points shy of Hadjar in the standings, despite Hadjar’s standout podium finish at Zandvoort.
However, when it comes to qualifying, Hadjar has dominated, boasting a 13-5 lead in head-to-head matchups as the season approaches the Sao Paulo GP. Hadjar’s consistency in reaching Q3 has been impressive, while Lawson has encountered difficulties, with an average qualifying pace difference of 0.213 seconds between the two.
Race performance also leans in Hadjar’s favor, with a 13-4 advantage over Lawson, largely attributed to his superior starting positions. As the pressure mounts and the stakes rise, the question looms large: can Liam Lawson rise above the challenges and secure his place in the elite ranks of Formula 1? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—his future with Red Bull and in the sport hangs in the balance, fueled by the fierce support of his team principal and his indomitable spirit.
As fans and analysts alike keep a watchful eye on this unfolding drama, the world of Formula 1 braces for what promises to be a thrilling and unpredictable conclusion to the season.







