Racing Bulls Praised for 'Nurturing' Liam Lawson After 'Borderline Embarrassing' Red Bull Treatment

Former W-Series driver Naomi Schiff says Liam Lawson’s swift demotion from Red Bull has ultimately worked to his advantage, with the New Zealander now thriving in a “nurturing” environment at Racing Bulls. The Sky Sports pundit argued that the Faenza outfit has handled Lawson far better than the senior team, allowing him to rebound with consistent points finishes and lift the squad into contention for fifth in the constructors’ championship.

Why it matters:

Lawson was promoted to Red Bull only to be swapped back with Yuki Tsunoda after two rounds of the 2025 season, a move Schiff called “borderline embarrassing.” A rapid fall like that can wreck a driver’s confidence, yet Lawson has turned it into fuel. His turnaround underscores how Racing Bulls has become a more supportive proving ground than the high-pressure Red Bull seat that has historically burned through young talent.

The details:

• Lawson has finished in the points in seven of the opening nine rounds, including five consecutive top-10 results with two sixth-place finishes.
• Racing Bulls sits just one point behind Alpine in the constructors’ standings, with Lawson’s form driving the team’s charge.
• Schiff contrasted Racing Bulls’ current culture with the “old version of Red Bull,” praising the team for fostering a healthier environment for its drivers.
• Despite replacing Lawson at Red Bull, Tsunoda is now on the F1 sidelines, adding scrutiny to the senior team’s driver management.

Between the lines:

Red Bull’s junior program has long faced criticism for its ruthless approach, and Lawson’s resurgence at Racing Bulls only amplifies those concerns. By delivering consistent points in a stable environment, Lawson is rebuilding his reputation and forcing Red Bull to confront how it evaluates young talent. His strong form suggests the team may have pulled the trigger too early.