How RB is keeping Liam Lawson's Red Bull F1 dream alive

Red Bull Racing team principal Alan Permane shed light on how the team is nurturing Liam Lawson's ambitions to return to the senior Red Bull squad, despite his challenging demotion earlier this season. Permane emphasized the commitment to providing Lawson with the necessary tools to achieve his ultimate goal of becoming a world champion with Red Bull.

Why it matters:

Liam Lawson's journey from a promising Red Bull promotion to a demotion to Racing Bulls highlights the intense pressure and high stakes in Formula 1's driver development programs. His continued pursuit of a Red Bull seat underscores the fierce competition for top-tier drives and how teams like RB are crucial in keeping young talent's dreams alive, shaping the future grid.

The details:

• Initial Demotion: Lawson earned a Red Bull promotion last season but was demoted back to Racing Bulls after just two races, replaced by Yuki Tsunoda.
• Permane's Perspective: Alan Permane, appointed Racing Bulls team principal, noted Lawson's mature approach upon his return: "When Liam returned to us after just two races, we knew there was work to be done, and I really appreciated the approach he took."
• Long-Term Goal: Permane acknowledges that all Red Bull Academy drivers aim for a world championship with the senior team, stating, "I'm well aware that our drivers' ultimate goal is to win a world championship with Red Bull, and in Liam's case, we're working together to keep that dream within reach."
• Performance Progression: It took Lawson four or five races to gain confidence in a new car, while competing against a highly regarded teammate. Permane highlighted Lawson's "exceptional talent," citing his peak performance in Baku qualifying (third place in wet conditions) and an excellent fifth-place finish in the subsequent race.

What's next:

While Lawson continues to eye a second call-up to Red Bull, Yuki Tsunoda's future remains uncertain. Despite taking over Lawson's seat from the third race, Tsunoda hasn't delivered standout results, and his position is not secure. The F1 paddock is keenly watching how these driver dynamics unfold, particularly with potential shifts in engine partnerships and third-driver roles that could impact Tsunoda's trajectory and open doors for Lawson's return.