Liam Lawson Reflects on Red Bull Demotion and Season Progress

Liam Lawson has offered his perspective on his early demotion from Red Bull, acknowledging significant progress since returning to Racing Bulls.

Why it matters:

• Lawson's unexpected, brief stint at Red Bull and subsequent return to Racing Bulls highlights the intense pressure and high stakes within the Red Bull driver development program. His reflections provide insight into the mental and technical adjustments required for young drivers navigating F1's cutthroat environment.
• His performance post-demotion, particularly a strong fifth-place finish in Azerbaijan, showcases his resilience and potential, keeping him relevant in discussions for future F1 seats.

The Details:

• Swift Red Bull Exit: Lawson was initially chosen to replace Sergio Perez for the 2025 campaign but struggled alongside Max Verstappen in the RB21 after just two races. Red Bull made the surprising decision to demote him to Racing Bulls, promoting Yuki Tsunoda in his place.
• Adjustment Period: Upon returning to Racing Bulls, it took Lawson several races to re-adjust to the sister team's machinery and environment.
• Return to Form: Since then, the 23-year-old New Zealander has started to deliver performances reminiscent of those that earned him the initial Red Bull promotion.
  • He has consistently challenged teammate Isack Hadjar, who is currently favored to partner Verstappen next year.
• Season Highlight: Lawson's standout moment of the season was his fifth-place finish in Azerbaijan.
  • This result was achieved purely on merit, featuring a strong defensive drive against experienced competitors like Tsunoda and Lando Norris.

Between the lines:

• When asked if his early Red Bull exit ultimately benefited him, Lawson admitted he would "never know." However, he emphasized the significant personal and technical progress made throughout the year.
• He expressed being in a "much more comfortable position" now compared to when he first switched teams earlier in the season, attributing this to overcoming an initial "catch-up" phase.
• Lawson acknowledged that while his "stats point of view" has improved considerably, he will always look back on the season for personal lessons to apply to future racing.

What's next:

• Lawson's continued strong performances at Racing Bulls will be crucial in maintaining his standing within the Red Bull hierarchy and for potentially securing a permanent F1 seat.
• His ability to challenge a highly-rated prospect like Isack Hadjar, coupled with his resilience in adverse situations, positions him as a strong contender for future opportunities if a seat opens up within the Red Bull family or elsewhere on the grid.