Liam Lawson Credits Daniel Ricciardo for Support After Red Bull Demotion

Liam Lawson has revealed that Daniel Ricciardo proved to be an invaluable sounding board during his turbulent 2025 F1 season. After struggling to adapt at Red Bull and being demoted to Racing Bulls, the New Zealander found crucial support from the very driver he had effectively replaced. Ricciardo's guidance helped Lawson navigate the low point and was instrumental in his recovery of form later in the year.

Why it matters:

In the hyper-competitive and often cutthroat world of Formula 1, this story highlights a rare and powerful display of sportsmanship and mentorship. It underscores the immense mental pressure on young drivers and shows how support from a respected veteran can be career-defining, while also revealing the complex, human relationships within the Red Bull driver ecosystem.

The details:

• A Difficult Start: Lawson was promoted to the senior Red Bull team for 2025 but found the car challenging to drive, leading to a lackluster performance. The team responded by swapping him with Yuki Tsunoda after the Chinese Grand Prix, a move designed to protect Lawson's confidence and improve on-track results.
• An Unlikely Mentor: Despite being the driver displaced by Lawson's rise, Ricciardo was a constant source of support. Lawson stated he had a "huge amount of respect" for how Ricciardo handled the situation and that the Australian was always available to talk whenever he needed advice.
• The Turnaround: The demotion proved beneficial. Lawson rediscovered his confidence and pace at Racing Bulls, with a key breakthrough coming around the Monaco Grand Prix. His strong performances in the second half of the season were pivotal in securing his contract for 2026.
• The Backstory: Lawson's initial F1 opportunity came in 2023 when he replaced an injured Ricciardo for five races. That impressive stint put him firmly in the Red Bull frame, ultimately setting the stage for the 2025 season's dramatic events.

Looking Ahead:

Liam Lawson is now set to enter the 2026 season as a confirmed driver for Racing Bulls, where he will take on a senior leadership role alongside rookie teammate Isack Hadjar. Armed with the hard-won experience of overcoming a career-threatening slump and the mental fortitude gained from it, Lawson is poised to be a more consistent and formidable competitor on the grid.