Is Liam Lawson the X-Factor in Red Bull’s Driver Conundrum?
The 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend was nothing short of electrifying, showcasing a myriad of sensational moments in Formula 1. Among the standout stories, Carlos Sainz’s triumphant first podium for Williams and Kimi Antonelli’s remarkable comeback for Mercedes stole headlines. Yet, buried beneath these narratives lies a compelling subplot that could reshape the future of Red Bull Racing: the emergence of Liam Lawson.
In a dramatic turn of events, Yuki Tsunoda delivered a performance that could redefine his career trajectory, managing to qualify and finish within the coveted top 10. However, the clock is ticking for Tsunoda as the pressure mounts from Isack Hadjar, whose impressive form at Racing Bulls positions him as the frontrunner for a seat alongside Max Verstappen in the upcoming season. But wait—Lawson is making waves, and his recent performances could throw a wrench into Red Bull’s carefully laid plans.
After a rocky start to the season, Lawson’s resurgence at the Baku City Circuit has been nothing short of a revelation. With a remarkable fifth-place finish, is he becoming a thorn in the side of Red Bull’s hierarchy?
Lawson, once the team’s initial choice to replace Sergio Perez, faced a brutal initiation that saw him pulled from the lineup after just two races. Yet, under the new management of Laurent Mekies, who has ushered in an engineering-focused strategy, Lawson has found his footing.
Baku Breakthrough: A Performance to Remember
In a city known for its unpredictability, Lawson showcased his potential in practice and qualifying, securing an impressive third on the grid. Only the reigning champion Verstappen could outpace him, while Sainz’s time placed him second. On race day, despite the blistering competition from Mercedes’ Antonelli and George Russell, Lawson held his ground, fending off fierce challenges from Tsunoda, Lando Norris, and the Ferrari duo.
Post-race, Lawson offered a glimpse into his mindset: “It’s a little bit disappointing from where we were starting. Realistically, we didn’t have the speed to fight with the guys in front today. But obviously, we’re hopeful. We tried everything today, but it just wasn’t quite enough. Still, to finish P5 is big for us, especially in the championship right now. Massive thanks to the team. We’ve had a good couple of weekends, and I’m happy to come home with some points. You always want more though, especially when you start further up. I would have loved to finish even higher today, but it’s still a great result. Honestly, I think it’s the best we could do today.”
With the spotlight squarely on the second Red Bull seat for 2026, Lawson could still have a part to play in this high-stakes drama. While Hadjar has emerged as the standout rookie of the season, Lawson’s journey reflects the fickle nature of motorsport.
As Tsunoda fights to solidify his future at Red Bull, he must capitalize on the remaining seven races to ensure his position. The stakes are high, and with Lawson’s resurgence, the narrative is shifting. Will Red Bull stick with the status quo, or will they pivot based on Lawson’s newfound momentum?
This unfolding saga has fans on the edge of their seats, as the battle for Red Bull’s future heats up. With so many variables at play, one thing is certain: the 2025 season is far from over, and Lawson might just be the wild card that could change everything. Buckle up, because the race for the next generation of Red Bull drivers is just getting started!