Liam Lawson has addressed his challenging demotion from Red Bull’s main Formula 1 team to the junior outfit Racing Bulls during the 2025 season, following a difficult start in the championship. Despite being promoted to Red Bull at the start of the year, Lawson was dropped after just two races, raising questions about his confidence and future prospects within the Red Bull program.
Lawson’s debut with Red Bull at the Australian Grand Prix underlined the tough environment he faced. While teammate Max Verstappen secured second place, Lawson struggled significantly and retired from the race, marking a stark contrast in performance. His difficulties continued in the Chinese Grand Prix, the second round, which culminated in his demotion before the third round of the season.
Liam Lawson Reflects on Mental Resilience Through Demotion and Early Challenges
Despite widespread speculation that his confidence suffered following the demotion, Lawson told F1 media that his mental state remained stable. He insisted that his mindset was consistent between the initial races, the team switch, and subsequent events in Japan. He remarked,
“I think I would say one thing to be clear about is that between the first couple of races, to the team switch, then going to Japan, mentally for me nothing changed. It’s been very heavily speculated that my confidence took a hit and stuff like this, which is completely false.”
—Liam Lawson, F1 Driver
He also emphasized that two races on unfamiliar circuits weren’t a reliable indicator of his confidence, stating,
“From the start of the year, I felt the same as I always have. I think in two races, on tracks I’d never been to, it’s not really enough for my confidence… maybe six months into a season, if I’m still at that level, if the results are still like that, then I’d be feeling something.”
—Liam Lawson, F1 Driver
Meanwhile, Yuki Tsunoda has taken Lawson’s seat at the senior Red Bull team but has similarly wrestled with competitive performances in the RB21 car.
Strong Recovery Signs With Sixth Place Finish at Austrian Grand Prix
Over the first half of the 2025 season, which includes 12 completed of the 24 scheduled rounds, Lawson has demonstrated progress with Racing Bulls. His standout performance came at the Austrian Grand Prix, where he secured a career-best sixth place, highlighting his potential and ability to score valuable points under pressure.
Reflecting on the Austrian weekend, Lawson said,
“Why Austria was a great weekend was obviously just to have that breakthrough of points, and I guess probably show a little bit of what’s been building for a while, but also what needs to be coming more frequently.”
—Liam Lawson, F1 Driver
This positive result marks a turning point for Lawson, reinforcing that he can contend when circumstances align, even as he competes outside the main Red Bull squad.
Looking Ahead: Uncertain Future Amid Team Changes and Contract Status
Currently, Liam Lawson does not hold a contract for the 2026 Formula 1 season, meaning that his performances during the remaining rounds of this year will be critical. The Belgian Grand Prix and the races that follow are especially significant as they could influence his retention or promotion prospects.
Meanwhile, the senior Red Bull team faces its own uncertainties, with Max Verstappen rumored to be considering a move to Mercedes for 2026. At the same time, Yuki Tsunoda’s position remains uncertain. These developments suggest that clarity about driver lineups for both Red Bull and Racing Bulls could emerge during the upcoming summer break, shaping Lawson’s future in Formula 1.
The ongoing shifts in driver dynamics and team strategies indicate an intense battle within Red Bull’s ranks, with Lawson’s resilience and steady performances potentially opening the door for further opportunities despite early season setbacks.
