Red Bull Racing: The Brutal Truth Behind Liam Lawson’s Demotion
In a shocking turn of events, Guenther Steiner, the team principal of Red Bull Racing, didn’t mince words when addressing Liam Lawson’s recent demotion. The young driver’s lackluster performance over two race weekends in 2025 sealed his fate, paving the way for Yuki Tsunoda to take his place alongside Max Verstappen at the Japanese Grand Prix.
Steiner didn’t shy away from criticizing Lawson, attributing his downfall to being over half a second slower than Verstappen. The Italian-American team principal bluntly stated, “I think it’s a Lawson problem. If you’re half a second slower than your teammate, you’re already a lot slower.” Lawson’s struggles to keep up with the pace of the team, coupled with the pressure of performing alongside a world champion, ultimately led to his premature exit from Red Bull Racing.
Despite showcasing potential in previous years, Lawson couldn’t adapt to the challenges posed by Red Bull’s RB21 chassis, which lagged behind its competitors in terms of performance. The intense pressure to deliver results, especially against a formidable teammate like Verstappen, proved to be too much for the young driver to handle.
Steiner hinted at Lawson possibly buckling under the weight of expectations, which reflected in his on-track performance. The Kiwi driver’s subpar results, including starting from the pit lane in the Chinese Grand Prix, highlighted his struggles to make a mark in the highly competitive world of Formula 1.
As Yuki Tsunoda steps into Lawson’s former role, the spotlight now shifts to the Japanese driver to deliver standout performances from the get-go. With Red Bull Racing facing inconsistencies in performance, Tsunoda faces immense pressure to prove his worth and avoid a fate similar to Lawson’s.
The abrupt end to Lawson’s stint with Red Bull Racing serves as a cautionary tale for aspiring young drivers in the sport. The cut-throat nature of Formula 1 leaves no room for error, demanding excellence and resilience from those vying for success at the highest level of motorsport.
