New Zealand’s Liam Lawson has shared that stepping away from social media has significantly improved his life, especially after enduring online abuse across various platforms. The driver highlighted the negative impact of social media and how removing himself from it contributed to a better mental state.
Lawson is preparing for his first full season with the Racing Bulls in 2025, after completing 22 races last year with the Faenza-based team, where his performances showed potential despite some inconsistency.
Career Developments and Challenges in Formula 1
Earlier in 2025, Lawson faced a tough setback after being dropped by Red Bull following just two rounds, despite previously earning his promotion through two partial seasons with the RB team. Returning to Racing Bulls, he shared the track with Isack Hadjar, whose strong form eventually led to a promotion that Lawson narrowly missed—the coveted second seat next to Max Verstappen.
Looking ahead to 2026, Lawson appears motivated with a fresh outlook and increased confidence, aligned with Team Principal Alan Permane’s plan for his improvement throughout the upcoming season.
Detaching from Social Media to Combat Toxicity
Lawson revealed on the Gypsy Tales podcast that disconnecting from all social media applications was a deliberate step in his personal well-being journey. He described social media as a “toxic place” and noted its pervasiveness in modern life.
“It’s so much better. So, so much better,”
Lawson expressed.
“It can be such a toxic place. I feel for people. I also left school when I was young, but I feel like I scraped through the age where social media was big.”
He added context about the situation in New Zealand, where platforms like Facebook predominated during his youth and Instagram was just emerging.
“So good because now bullying in school is something that you can’t escape when you go home because of social media.”
The Broader Impact and What Lies Ahead
Lawson’s decision to step away from social media highlights a growing awareness among athletes regarding mental health challenges fueled by online negativity. His move may encourage others in the racing community and beyond to consider similar breaks for their mental well-being.
With Lawson’s renewed mindset and the support of Racing Bulls leadership, fans can expect a focused and determined driver striving for consistent improvement in the season ahead.
