Lawson Explains Racing Bulls Struggles in 2025 Season

Liam Lawson's 2025 season with Racing Bulls has been a mixed bag, with the young driver openly discussing the challenges he's faced. Returning to the Faenza-based team after a stint at Red Bull, Lawson's primary hurdle has been the lack of crucial pre-season testing with the VCARB 02, forcing him to adapt during competitive race weekends.

Why it matters:

Lawson's frank assessment highlights a common challenge for reserve or substitute drivers in F1. Without dedicated pre-season mileage, even talented drivers struggle to find their rhythm, affecting performance and potentially delaying their full potential. This situation is particularly critical for a young driver looking to solidify a permanent F1 seat.

The Details:

• Lack of Pre-Season Testing: Lawson emphasized that the absence of pre-season testing with the VCARB 02 car prevented him from getting comfortable with the car's nuances and setting up driver preferences.
  • He noted via Automoto Italia: "The main problem concerns all those small aspects that make you feel comfortable with the car and that you take care of before the start of the season… Unfortunately, I had to do all of this during the race weekends."
• Mid-Season Adaptation: This forced adaptation during live race weekends put Lawson at a disadvantage, requiring him to learn and optimize the car's performance under pressure.
• Improving Performance: Despite the initial struggles, Lawson has shown gradual improvement, culminating in his best qualifying performance and career-best race finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
• Mekies' Support: Lawson credited former Racing Bulls team principal Laurent Mekies for his instrumental support. Mekies, now at Red Bull, provided significant assistance during Lawson's transition back to Racing Bulls, particularly before the Japanese Grand Prix.
  • Lawson praised Mekies: "He was fantastic with me. And he understands the drivers very well. He establishes a personal relationship with them. He cares a lot, and he worries about everything we go through during the course of a season, even on a personal level."

The Big Picture:

Liam Lawson's journey in 2025 exemplifies the intense pressures and learning curve for young drivers entering Formula 1. His ability to improve despite challenging circumstances underscores his resilience and talent. The support from figures like Laurent Mekies also highlights the critical role team leadership plays in driver development.

What's next:

With his performance showing an upward trend, the focus for Lawson will be to continue this momentum. Resolving comfort issues with the car and consistently delivering strong results will be key to establishing himself as a formidable F1 driver and securing a long-term future in the sport. His adaptability under pressure will be a significant factor in his continued progress.