'Wasn't the same guy': Racing Bulls reveals Lawson's Red Bull demotion toll

Liam Lawson's brief 2025 Red Bull stint left deeper scars than he admitted, but Racing Bulls' support and his own work ethic have forged a sharper driver in 2026. Alan Permane said that while Lawson insisted he was fine after being demoted just two races into the season, those who knew him previously could see he "wasn't the same guy."

Why it matters:

Lawson's collapse and rebound show how a sudden career jolt can sharpen a driver's focus. His resurgence has propelled Racing Bulls into genuine midfield contention, leaving the team tied with Alpine on 61 points, and has forced the paddock to recalibrate its view of his potential.

The details:

• The demotion: Lawson crashed in Australia and qualified last in both Shanghai races during the 2025 season, prompting his return to Racing Bulls after just two rounds. He later admitted he had no warning and struggled with the public criticism.
• The rebuild: Permane said the team quietly supported Lawson, but the 24-year-old drove his own recovery through intensive simulator work and closer collaboration with his engineers. The result is a five-race points streak and a 2026 tally of 39 points that already exceeds his entire 2025 total.
• A new mindset: Once his 2026 seat was secured, Permane instructed Lawson to eliminate outside distractions. Permane says the Kiwi is now "laser-focused," communicates more precisely with his engineers, and is shedding any fixed driving style to extract whatever the car needs, much like Max Verstappen or Fernando Alonso.

What's next:

Lawson will finally receive Racing Bulls' latest upgrades at the Hungarian Grand Prix after teammate Arvid Lindblad debuted them in Belgium. With his points streak snapped at Spa, he will be eager to reassert himself and help the team pull clear of Alpine in the constructors' battle.