Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson has described his first outing in the Formula 1 championship as dominated by fear and pressure, reflecting candidly on his 2023 debut at the Dutch Grand Prix. As he prepares once again for the challenging Zandvoort circuit in 2025, Lawson’s thoughts reveal the anxiety and intensity that shaped his introduction to Formula 1 racing.
Lawson spoke openly to the media about his initial weekend on the F1 stage, highlighting the tough mental and physical demands he faced during those early days in the sport.
Challenges and Chaos Marked Lawson’s First Weekend
Describing the weekend as far from enjoyable, Lawson recalled how chaotic the qualifying and race sessions were, emphasizing survival and learning as his primary goals.
“You know, it’s funny because I don’t think it’s good memories. My memories of that weekend [his debut in 2023 at the Dutch Grand Prix], most of them were just fear and pressure. It was just a very tough weekend. I think I was very relieved to get through it. And I learned a lot from it going into the next few races that I had. But it wasn’t a fun weekend,”
he said.
He added that the difficulty of the race was compounded by unpredictable weather conditions, which interrupted any chance to find a consistent rhythm.
“No, honestly I didn’t [enjoy it]. It was so chaotic. Qualifying was very tricky. The race was… even trickier. So it was very much survival, trying to learn everything I could. I remember there was probably 20 laps in there that it dried up and I got into a rhythm. And I enjoyed that,”
Lawson explained.
He also noted the disruption caused by a rain shower and subsequent red flag that further challenged his race weekend.
“And then it rained again and there was a red flag. So it wasn’t a super enjoyable experience.”
—Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls
Circumstances Behind Lawson’s Sudden Entry into Formula 1 Racing
Lawson stepped in at the Dutch Grand Prix after Daniel Ricciardo suffered a broken hand during Friday’s second free practice, abruptly opening a seat at Racing Bulls. With minimal track time on one of Formula 1’s toughest circuits and worsening weather, Lawson’s debut was an uphill battle from the start. Despite the obstacles, he managed to qualify 20th, while his then-teammate Yuki Tsunoda qualified 14th but was later demoted to 17th due to a penalty for impeding Lewis Hamilton.
On race day, both drivers faced challenges, with Tsunoda finishing just ahead of Lawson by two places. Despite the result, Lawson expressed a measured satisfaction with his performance under such difficult conditions.
Lawson’s Progression and Setbacks Since His F1 Introduction
Following his debut, Lawson earned a full-time seat at Racing Bulls in 2024 after Ricciardo was released from the team post-Singapore Grand Prix. He quickly demonstrated his capability, notably finishing ninth at the United States Grand Prix after starting near the back of the grid. However, the 2025 season has been more turbulent; Lawson was promoted to a Red Bull seat but was returned to Racing Bulls after only two races.
Reflecting on his recent form and overall experience this season, Lawson remains cautiously optimistic:
“I think in general I’ve felt pretty good recently,”
he commented.
“The speed’s been there most of the year, I would say. It’s just been consistency that’s been coming recently. I’m very aware that in Formula 1 it’s very tough to sometimes keep that. So I’m just trying to carry that form and learn from what’s been working. And I know that at some point it will come into some difficulties. But I think in general I feel pretty good. The team’s feeling pretty good as well. The car’s been fast. So it’d be good to try and carry that form on.”
—Liam Lawson
Looking Ahead to Zandvoort and the Future of Lawson’s Career
With the physically demanding Zandvoort circuit looming in the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix calendar, Lawson’s experience from his debut and subsequent races will be vital. His initial struggle with fear and pressure highlights the challenges rookies face on this notoriously difficult track, especially when combined with unpredictable weather.
Lawson’s trajectory from a substitution driver to a full-time seat holder and his move between the Red Bull and Racing Bulls teams illustrate the volatile and competitive nature of Formula 1. His recognition of the need for consistency and learning, combined with recent improvements in speed and team confidence, suggest he is still adapting and growing as a driver under significant intensity.
As the season continues, maintaining momentum and overcoming consistency issues at high-pressure events like the Dutch Grand Prix will be crucial for Lawson’s aspirations in the sport.
