Liam Lawson faced a sudden shift during the 2025 Formula 1 season when he was demoted from Red Bull Racing to their junior outfit, Racing Bulls, after only two Grand Prix weekends. The New Zealand driver had stepped into the seat previously held by Sergio Perez but was swiftly replaced by Yuki Tsunoda for the remainder of the year. This shift and its aftermath are prominently featured in the latest season of Netflix’s Drive to Survive, highlighting Lawson’s challenging transition and the behind-the-scenes decisions involved.
The demotion’s rationale surfaced during a Drive to Survive interview, where Christian Horner identified Helmut Marko as the key figure behind the decision. Although it was an uncommonly harsh move in recent F1 history, the change arguably served to rebuild Lawson’s career momentum within a less demanding racing environment.
Liam Lawson Seizes New Opportunity at Racing Bulls After Red Bull Setback
Following the switch to Racing Bulls, Lawson adapted quickly to his new car, regaining form and outperforming Yuki Tsunoda throughout the season. Despite the initial blow, Lawson’s strong performances secured his place on the Formula 1 grid in 2026, whereas Tsunoda lost his seat. This rebound underscores Lawson’s resilience and potential to earn another chance with Red Bull in the future.
Netflix’s Demands Lead to Awkward Gear Changes During Interviews
Throughout the season, Formula 1 drivers participate in multiple interviews with the Netflix crews for Drive to Survive. These interviews often cover events that occurred many rounds earlier, creating challenges for continuity in presenting the drivers’ stories. Lawson, in particular, was required to film at least one interview while still wearing Red Bull gear, even after being relegated to Racing Bulls. This decision aimed to prevent confusion among casual viewers who might find a sudden switch in team attire puzzling.
According to a report from The Athletic, the Netflix production team even asked Lawson to perform a “shirt change” scene, where he switched from Red Bull to Faenza team colors on camera. Including this behind-the-scenes moment in the final show may have felt awkward or disrespectful, but the drivers understand the nature of their involvement and the demands of sports documentary filming.
Concerns Over Lawson’s Experience as He Leads Racing Bulls in 2026
Looking ahead to 2026, Liam Lawson will be expected to take a leadership role at Racing Bulls, now partnered in the garage with 18-year-old rookie Arvid Lindblad, who advanced directly from Formula 3. Jolyon Palmer has expressed reservations regarding Lawson’s relative inexperience, noting that Lawson has participated in only 35 races, which is less than one and a half full seasons.
Racing Bulls’ team principal, Alan Permane, acknowledges Lawson’s talent but emphasizes the need for greater consistency as Lawson fights to firmly establish himself within the competitive F1 landscape. Lawson’s continued development will be crucial for both his career trajectory and Racing Bulls’ ambitions moving forward.
