Liam Lawson, Red Bull Racing’s promising young driver, has disclosed the stark reality of his interactions with the team’s infamous advisor, Helmut Marko, who is known for his blunt and unforgiving manner. Despite Lawson’s impressive showing at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he secured third in qualifying and finished fifth, the usually expected congratulatory phone call never came. Instead, Lawson revealed,
Normally the phone calls are after the bad ones. So I haven’t heard much!
This candid admission reveals the intense pressure and scrutinizing environment within Red Bull’s Formula 1 program.
The Pressure and Uncertainty Surrounding Lawson’s Future
Lawson began the season with high expectations but faced an early setback after only two underwhelming races, leading to him being replaced by Yuki Tsunoda. Now, with rookie teammate Isack Hadjar outperforming him, Lawson faces an uphill battle to retain his place in the Red Bull ecosystem. As the team prepares for the Singapore Grand Prix, Lawson is aware that his future hinges critically on his coming performances. Reflecting on his result in Baku, he said,
Personally, it’s great to have a result like that,
while cautioning,
But as much as you can say that you have momentum, it can change very quickly.
He stressed the need to maintain strong results in the remaining races, saying,
We need more of that going through the next few races,
highlighting the precarious nature of his position.
Driver Line-Up Speculation and Implications for Lawson
With just seven race weekends left in the 2025 season, Red Bull is expected to finalize its driver roster for 2026 by late October. Rumors increasingly suggest that F2 talent Arvid Lindblad will be promoted to the top team, potentially alongside Max Verstappen. Isack Hadjar is also a strong contender for a seat, placing Lawson in a vulnerable spot as he remains unsigned for next year. Addressing the stress of waiting for news, Lawson admitted,
I’d love to know tomorrow, honestly,
but added,
But in this camp, it’s very normal to be left on hold a little bit.
The looming uncertainty amplifies the pressure Lawson faces as he strives to prove his worth.
Understanding Life Within Red Bull’s Demanding Program
Having been part of Red Bull for six years, Lawson is familiar with the intense and often unforgiving environment the team cultivates, which is notorious for rapid driver changes. He pointed out,
Unless you’re on multi-year contracts – and even then, any contracts in Formula 1 can be broken,
and explained,
So the only time you’re secure is when you’re performing.
This underscores the harsh reality that few drivers feel truly safe in their roles outside the elite few who consistently deliver results.
Lawson’s Awareness of the Competitive Nature Within Red Bull
Lawson reflected on his ongoing experience with competition inside the team:
This isn’t a new feeling for me,
he said, recognizing the constant pressure embedded in Red Bull’s driver development philosophy. He continued,
We’re introduced at a very young age knowing that the only way you step up through the ladder is by performing, and you have that pressure all the time.
This mindset is ingrained early for drivers within the program, leaving little room for error at any stage.
The Stakes for Lawson in the Final Stretch of the Season
As the 2025 campaign approaches its final phase, Liam Lawson’s performance in the upcoming races will likely play a crucial role in determining whether he remains part of Red Bull’s competitive plans. The ruthless nature of Formula 1 racing, combined with Red Bull’s relentless pursuit of excellence, means that every race is a critical test. Whether Lawson can seize the moment or be sidelined amid the ongoing driver reshuffling remains uncertain, but the intensity surrounding his situation highlights the high-stakes atmosphere drivers face at this level.
