AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

Liam Lawson’s Red Bull Future Hangs in Balance After Disastrous Formula 1 Start

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
March 22, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 2 mins read
0
Liam Lawson’s Red Bull Future Hangs in Balance After Disastrous Formula 1 Start

SHANGHAI, CHINA - MARCH 22: Liam Lawson of New Zealand driving the (30) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 on track during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of China at Shanghai International Circuit on March 22, 2025 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202503220236 // Usage for editorial use only //

The 2025 Formula 1 season has been anything but smooth sailing for Red Bull’s Liam Lawson, whose lackluster performance has already raised questions about his future with the team. After a disappointing start to the season, finishing 18th in Australia and 20th in the qualifying rounds in China, insiders report that Red Bull executives are privately questioning whether Lawson can deliver the results the team needs.

Lawson’s ascension to Red Bull was a strategic move made during the winter, replacing Sergio Perez in a bid to close the gap with team-mate Max Verstappen and boost the team’s chances in the F1 constructors’ championship. However, the plan has seemingly backfired. Lawson’s early performance has been dismal, marking the worst run of qualifying results for any Red Bull driver in the team’s history.

Not only did Lawson fail to make it past the Q1 exits, but he also crashed out of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. His push to finish 14th in the Chinese GP sprint was deemed subpar by Lawson himself. He conceded, “I’m in a Red Bull – finishing 14th, it’s not really acceptable.”

While there is no immediate threat of Lawson being dropped if his performance doesn’t improve in the Chinese GP, it is understood that the upcoming race in Japan is seen as a make-or-break moment for him.

Lawson’s struggles are perplexing, especially since the season began in Australia and China, two circuits where he had never previously competed in F1. However, Lawson is familiar with the Suzuka circuit in Japan, given his 2023 Super Formula campaign and his AlphaTauri race. This familiarity eliminates the excuse of being a circuit novice for the critical upcoming race.

Red Bull’s confusion over Lawson’s struggles is palpable. The team is publicly maintaining an optimistic front, but motorsport advisor Helmut Marko subtly hinted that results are paramount in F1. Speaking to Sky Germany, he said, “F1 is a performance sport and in the end that’s what counts.”

Lawson, for his part, seems acutely aware that Red Bull’s patience is waning. He admitted to The Race after qualifying in China that it’s challenging to drive the car and find the right window. He acknowledged his time to improve is limited and said, “It’s just something that I need to get on top of.”

He also confessed that there was no excuse for his performance when Verstappen is consistently vying for wins. “It’s just car characteristics, it’s the way the car drives,” he said. “But… obviously if Max is able to drive it, then I should be able to get on top of it as well.”

If Lawson fails to turn his season around in Japan, Red Bull has a backup plan. The most likely alternative would be to swap Lawson with Racing Bulls’ Yuki Tsunoda, who has had a strong start to the season. Tsunoda, who was considered for Red Bull’s second seat last year, has indicated that he would take the opportunity if it were offered.

Only time will tell whether Lawson can regain his footing and secure his place in Red Bull, or if Tsunoda will be called up to take his place. One thing is certain – the upcoming race in Japan will be critical for Lawson’s future in F1.

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

Hamilton’s Crushing Penalty Fallout: Sainz’s Bold Stand Against ‘Unacceptable’ Stewarding in F1 Drama
Motorsports

Hamilton’s Crushing Penalty Fallout: Sainz’s Bold Stand Against ‘Unacceptable’ Stewarding in F1 Drama

Formula One F1 - Dutch Grand Prix - Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort, Netherlands - August 31, 2025 Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton after...

by Redação
September 1, 2025
Helmut Marko Issues Shocking Ultimatum to Red Bull Following Max Verstappen’s Daring P2 Finish
Motorsports

Helmut Marko Issues Shocking Ultimatum to Red Bull Following Max Verstappen’s Daring P2 Finish

Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

by Carl Smith
September 1, 2025
Max Verstappen’s Bold Soft Tyre Gamble at Dutch GP: A Game-Changing Strategy Explained!
Motorsports

Max Verstappen’s Bold Soft Tyre Gamble at Dutch GP: A Game-Changing Strategy Explained!

Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

by Arthur Ling
September 1, 2025
Fernando Alonso’s Explosive Outburst After Dutch GP Chaos: Aston Martin’s Strategy Blunder Revealed!
Motorsports

Fernando Alonso’s Explosive Outburst After Dutch GP Chaos: Aston Martin’s Strategy Blunder Revealed!

Formula One F1 - Dutch Grand Prix - Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort, Netherlands - August 31, 2025 Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso...

by Harry Bright
September 1, 2025

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent News

Volvo EX60 já tem data para a apresentação

The Volvo EX60 already has a date for its presentation.

September 3, 2025
Cupra Terramar America’s Cup: desafia os limites até dentro de água

Cupra Terramar America’s Cup: challenges the limits even in the water.

September 3, 2025
Leapmotor mostra imagens do Lafa 5 antes da estreia no salão de Munique

Leapmotor shows images of the Lafa 5 ahead of its debut at the Munich Motor Show.

September 2, 2025
Jaguar Land Rover contrata especialistas em cadeias de fornecimento de veículos elétrico

“Jaguar Land Rover suffers a cyber attack.”

September 2, 2025

Newsletter

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

Enable Notifications OK No thanks