Liam Lawson urged to follow Pierre Gasly's path after Red Bull exit

Sky F1 commentator David Croft suggests Racing Bulls are using Pierre Gasly's career resurgence as a blueprint for Liam Lawson, arguing that being dropped by Red Bull is not a career death sentence. Gasly has rebuilt his reputation at Alpine after his own difficult stint with the senior team, and Lawson is now showing similar signs of progress at Racing Bulls following his brief and challenging replacement role alongside Max Verstappen last season.

Why it matters:

The Red Bull driver program is notoriously demanding, with high-profile demotions or exits often perceived as career-limiting. Gasly's successful reinvention provides a crucial narrative of hope and a practical roadmap for drivers like Lawson, demonstrating that performance and value can be rebuilt outside the championship-winning outfit. This is vital for driver morale and the broader driver market, showing that top teams may still consider those who have stumbled at Red Bull.

The details:

• Gasly's Redemption Arc: After being demoted from Red Bull Racing mid-2019, Pierre Gasly excelled at AlphaTauri (now Racing Bulls) before securing a lead driver role at Alpine in 2023, where he scores the vast majority of the team's points.
• Lawson's Current Trajectory: Liam Lawson, who filled in for an injured Daniel Ricciardo for five races in 2023, was returned to the sister team. After initial struggles, he has settled in and become a consistent points finisher for Racing Bulls.
• Suzuka as a Case Study: At the Japanese GP, both drivers highlighted their current form—Gasly finished 7th, directly ahead of Max Verstappen in 8th, with Lawson in 9th, showcasing an ability to compete at a high level.
• Croft's Analysis: David Croft posits that Racing Bulls are actively pointing Lawson to Gasly's example. He also speculates that Gasly's proven performance could make him an attractive target for other teams, like Aston Martin, if a seat opens up.

What's next:

For Lawson, the immediate focus is continuing to solidify his place at Racing Bulls and converting steady points finishes into standout performances to attract attention for 2025 and beyond. Gasly's continued strong leadership at Alpine will only strengthen the argument that post-Red Bull careers can flourish. Both drivers' performances this season will be closely watched as proof of concept that talent can overcome early setbacks in the harsh Red Bull ecosystem.