Liam Lawson admits being 'mentally drained' by intense start to F1 season

RB driver Liam Lawson has revealed he is feeling "mentally drained" after the intense opening phase of the 2025 Formula 1 season, citing the increased cognitive demands of driving the latest generation of cars. Despite a strong points-scoring start, the New Zealander highlighted the significant challenge of managing complex energy systems while racing at the limit.

Why it matters:

The new technical regulations, emphasizing energy recovery and deployment, are shifting the skill set required from drivers, placing a premium on mental stamina and strategic thinking during laps. This heightened cognitive load could become a key differentiator in performance and a potential point of contention regarding driver workload and safety over a full race distance. Lawson's candid admission from a promising newcomer underscores a wider adjustment period for the entire grid.

The details:

• Lawson described the 2025 season as "very intense," stating drivers now have "a lot more that you're thinking about when you're driving" compared to previous years.
• The primary new challenge stems from the increased role of energy harvesting and deployment systems, which are crucial for maximizing speed in qualifying and executing overtakes during the race.
• His comments echo similar complaints from other drivers on the grid about the steep learning curve presented by the new cars.
• Despite the mental fatigue, Lawson has delivered solid on-track results:
  • He scored a pair of seventh-place finishes at the Chinese Grand Prix, which featured the Sprint format.
  • He followed this with another top-ten finish at the Japanese Grand Prix, moving him into the top ten in the Drivers' Championship standings.
• Lawson was candid about his result in Japan, acknowledging luck played a part: "We definitely got lucky with the safety car, so I don't think we would have been in the points without it."

What's next:

Lawson's early-season form has positioned him as a standout performer in the midfield, but maintaining this consistency will be the real test as the mental demands of the season accumulate. His experience highlights an evolving challenge in F1, where managing complex hybrid systems is as critical as pure driving skill. The coming races will reveal which drivers and teams best adapt to this new, more cognitively demanding racing reality.