Red Bull’s Swift Decision: Is Liam Lawson’s F1 Career Already Over?
In a dramatic turn of events, Liam Lawson’s short-lived stint with Red Bull Racing appears to be on the brink of an abrupt end. Following the disappointing performance at the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix, reports suggest the New Zealander might be replaced before the next race kicks off.
Lawson, who was unexpectedly thrust into the high-pressure seat alongside F1 titan Max Verstappen, has struggled to find his footing. His season commenced with a catastrophic crash at the Australian Grand Prix, and the Shanghai International Circuit offered no redemption. Despite the anticipation surrounding his promotion, Lawson failed to make a mark, qualifying last in both the sprint and main race.
The Shanghai Struggle: A Closer Look
China was nothing short of a nightmare for Lawson. Team communications revealed his struggles with the Red Bull car, which he found manageable for only a solitary lap. “I tried everything,” Lawson lamented, highlighting his difficulties in controlling the vehicle’s front end and exiting corners efficiently.
This performance marks a stark contrast to Sergio Perez’s past challenges with the team. Yet, unlike the seasoned Mexican driver who had little left to learn, Lawson’s career is just beginning, and his potential for growth is substantial. Team Principal Christian Horner emphasized Red Bull’s “duty” to support their young driver, acknowledging the team’s history of hasty decisions with emerging talents.
Red Bull’s Precarious History with Young Drivers
Red Bull’s track record of quickly discarding drivers is notorious. Pierre Gasly was dropped in 2019 for not securing top-five finishes, and Alex Albon faced a similar fate shortly after. Although Perez offered a brief respite in 2021, his performance waned, and Lawson’s difficulties echo these ongoing challenges.
Max Verstappen, a four-time champion, has also voiced his concerns about the car’s performance over the past two seasons. Despite this, his exceptional skill has managed to secure victories. Verstappen speculated that Lawson might find more success with Racing Bulls instead of Red Bull, a sentiment shared by Horner.
The Future for Lawson: A Second Chance or a Final Curtain?
Insiders indicate that Lawson’s opportunity to prove himself might be slipping away. Such a decision seems harsh, especially given his impressive substitute performances with Red Bull’s sister team in previous years. While improvement is undoubtedly necessary, should Lawson not have been granted until the summer break to showcase his abilities? With Red Bull’s unpredictable decisions, nothing is ever certain.
As the motorsport world speculates, the question remains: Is Red Bull making the right call in potentially cutting Lawson loose so soon? Only time will tell if this is a strategic move or another instance of the team’s internal turmoil making waves in the F1 circuit.