Liam Lawson Reveals Helmut Marko Only Calls After Bad Races, F1 Future Uncertain

Liam Lawson delivered an impressive performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, qualifying third and finishing fifth, a stark contrast to his earlier season struggles. However, the Racing Bulls driver hasn't heard from Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko since, noting that Marko only calls "after the bad ones" – a worrying sign as his Formula 1 future within the Red Bull program remains in doubt.

Why it matters:

After a challenging start to the 2025 season, Lawson's strong Baku result was a crucial reminder of his potential. Yet, the lack of communication from Red Bull's key decision-maker, Helmut Marko, highlights the intense pressure and uncertainty surrounding his F1 career. With Red Bull's reputation for ruthless driver management, every race performance is critical for Lawson to secure a seat, especially given the competition from other Red Bull junior drivers.

The details:

• Baku Breakthrough: Lawson achieved his best result of the 2025 season at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, qualifying third and securing a fifth-place finish. This performance offered a positive turn to what has been a largely disappointing year for him.
• Demotion and Underperformance: Lawson started the year with Red Bull but was demoted after just two point-less rounds, making way for Yuki Tsunoda. He returned to the junior Racing Bulls squad, where he has been outshone by rookie teammate Isack Hadjar.
• Marko's Silence: According to Lawson, Helmut Marko, Red Bull's influential advisor, typically only contacts drivers after poor performances. The absence of a call following his strong Baku showing suggests that the result might not have significantly altered Red Bull's perception of his standing.
• Future Uncertainty: Lawson is not yet signed for 2026, and his strong Baku result doesn't guarantee a spot. Red Bull is expected to announce its 2026 line-ups for both its teams by the end of October.
• Internal Competition: F2 youngster Arvid Lindblad is anticipated to be promoted to Racing Bulls, leaving one open seat there and another alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull. Hadjar is currently considered a frontrunner for a coveted spot, putting pressure on Lawson.

Between the lines:

Lawson's candid remarks about Marko's communication style underscore the high-stakes environment within the Red Bull driver program. It implies that a single good result, while personally satisfying, might not be enough to sway opinions or secure a future if previous performances have been subpar. The focus remains squarely on consistent performance, a challenge that has defined many young drivers' tenures at Red Bull.

What's next:

With seven race weekends left in the 2025 season, starting with the Singapore Grand Prix, Lawson knows that momentum can shift quickly. His immediate focus is on delivering more strong results to demonstrate his capability and consistency. Despite the uncertainty, Lawson remains grounded, emphasizing that his performance in the car is the only factor he can control to influence his future within Formula 1. He understands that in the Red Bull system, security comes only through consistent top-level performance.