Lawson hails Verstappen as 'very real' after demotion support

Liam Lawson says Max Verstappen was a rare source of genuine support following his brutal exit from Red Bull Racing just two races into the 2025 season. The Racing Bulls driver described the four-time champion as refreshingly real, revealing that the pair spoke at length after the demotion that sent him back to the junior squad.

Why it matters:

Lawson's swift demotion remains one of the most controversial driver decisions in recent memory, with many arguing two races was far too soon to judge a rookie against the sport's most dominant force. Verstappen's willingness to defend his former teammate highlights a rare loyalty in the paddock, while Lawson's 2026 rebound proves the hasty call may have backfired on Red Bull.

The details:

• Lawson joined Red Bull to replace Sergio Perez for 2025 but was dropped after the Chinese Grand Prix. He revealed on the High Performance podcast that Verstappen was "very, very supportive" during the fallout.
• Grounded champion: Lawson says Verstappen remains approachable despite his success. He recalled the Dutchman asking about his Formula 2 performances when Lawson was a reserve driver, noting Verstappen "always made an effort to acknowledge me."
• Public backing: In an end-of-season interview, Verstappen told Viaplay he disagreed with the move, stating two races "ruins someone's chance at a top team." He credited Lawson for recovering mentally rather than walking away.
• On-track recovery: Since returning to Racing Bulls, Lawson has scored points in five of the seven 2026 Grands Prix and sits tenth in the drivers' standings with 28 points.

What's next:

Lawson's consistent form keeps him in the conversation for future seat moves, even if a second shot at the senior Red Bull seat seems unlikely. For now, the New Zealander appears content to let his driving do the talking, armed with the knowledge that the grid's most successful driver had his back when it mattered most.