Liam Lawson`s hoped-for promotion to Red Bull turned into a disappointing experience in just 99 days. The 22-year-old became the latest in a line of talented drivers from Red Bull`s program who found it challenging alongside Max Verstappen.
Yuki Tsunoda, who was previously passed over for Lawson in December, is now set to become Verstappen`s teammate starting from the Japanese Grand Prix, marking the third teammate change in four races for Verstappen.
The question is, what led to this outcome? Where did things go wrong for Lawson?
Let`s examine his brief and ultimately unsuccessful stint with Red Bull, from his initial call-up to his reassignment back to Racing Bulls.
New Red Bull driver Liam Lawson tells Nate Saunders that he`s ready to take his place alongside Max Verstappen in 2025.
Day 1: On December 19, 2024, just 11 days after the end of the season with Racing Bulls and with only 11 F1 races of experience, Lawson was announced as Sergio Pérez`s replacement at Red Bull, chosen over Tsunoda. Speaking to media after the announcement, Lawson expressed his excitement, calling it a `dream` move, but acknowledged the significant challenge ahead.
`It`s probably the most demanding environment, but it also offers the greatest rewards,` he stated. `There’s no better person to learn from or compete with [than Verstappen].
`My ambition is to win world championships, and that’s why I’m here. I aim to reach the level required to contend for titles as quickly as possible next year.`
Day 37: Following a break before the 2025 season, Lawson visited Red Bull`s headquarters in Milton Keynes for the first time as a team driver. He had a seat fitting in preparation for his rookie season and commented, `It’s great to see everyone I’ve been working with for several years. Becoming an official driver now is very exciting.`
Day 56: Lawson experienced his first drive for 2025 in Red Bull’s RB19, considered one of the most dominant cars in Formula 1 history, during a private test in Jerez, Spain.
Liam Lawson speaks about the pressure racing for Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen.
Day 63: The season launch event took place at London’s O2 Arena, where Red Bull and all other teams presented their new liveries. Lawson spoke about the impending pressure and noted that the initial races would be particularly challenging as he had never raced on those circuits before.
`Entering a season like this is incredibly exciting,` he said. `However, I`m aware of the immense pressure and the difficulty, especially starting at tracks where I lack experience.`
He added that he didn`t set specific targets for 2025: `I`m not setting a strict timeline. I`m not thinking I must win within a certain number of races, or even necessarily this season. But my goal is clear: to win races and ultimately a world championship. That’s what I’m striving for.`
Day 70: Lawson began his and Red Bull`s season preparations at preseason testing in Bahrain, although a spin during the morning session was a setback. Red Bull seemed unconcerned. `I think Liam has had a positive first official session for us and is settling in well,` said team principal Christian Horner.
Lawson added, `It’s hard to gauge our pace yet, but the car feels good and comfortable to drive.`
Day 71: Lawson was scheduled for a full day of testing on day two, but faced further difficulties. Unexpected rain in the morning and reliability issues in the afternoon meant he only completed 149 laps before heading to Australia. Only Lance Stroll completed fewer laps (133) in Bahrain.
Despite finishing 11th fastest in testing, Lawson received positive feedback from Red Bull. `Liam responded well today, and his feedback closely matched Max’s,` commented technical director Pierre Wache.
Nate Saunders and Laurence Edmondson react to Liam Lawson`s opening two practice sessions in Australia.
Day 86: Moving to Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix, Lawson`s struggles became apparent. He finished 16th and 17th in the first two practice sessions, putting him at a disadvantage for the weekend.
Day 87: Lawson`s problems worsened the next day. A power issue resulted in no track time in the final practice, and he qualified 18th. McLaren CEO Zak Brown even joked that Tsunoda, not Lawson, deserved the Red Bull seat.
`Yuki has performed exceptionally well, and based on performance, he’s probably the one who should be in the Red Bull,` Brown remarked to Sky Sports after qualifying, noting Tsunoda`s fifth-place qualification for Racing Bulls. `However, Red Bull seems to make some unconventional driver choices.`
Day 88: Lawson started his first Red Bull race from the pit lane due to car changes. He couldn`t gain positions and spun out in rainy conditions when the team opted for a risky tire strategy.
`It’s hard to fault him for that last spin,` Horner said, still showing some support. `The positive takeaway is that on dry tires, he recorded the second-fastest lap time of the Grand Prix; a 22.9 compared to Max’s 23.0 and Lando’s 22.1.
`[Melbourne] was not representative of his true potential.`
Day 92: Heading into the Chinese GP, Lawson appeared determined. `To be honest, I don`t care about Zak’s comments,` he responded to Brown’s remarks. `I haven’t spoken to him, and I don’t think I ever will.` He also denied being in a `downward spiral`.
`It’s crucial to have a strong weekend because that’s ultimately our goal,` he stated. `I don’t believe we can spiral downwards after just one race, but naturally, we all have high expectations.`
Day 93: Lawson finished 18th in practice and qualified last in the sprint qualifying after a mistake on his crucial lap, while Verstappen qualified second. `We believe in his ability; he just needs more time,` Horner commented afterward. However, rumors of his replacement were already circulating.
Day 94: Lawson improved to 14th in the sprint race, a result he still deemed `unacceptable.` This was followed by another 20th-place qualifying result.
Afterwards, Lawson suggested `time` was the solution to his issues, but added, `Unfortunately, time is something I don’t really have.`
Meanwhile, Tsunoda was directly questioned about potentially replacing Lawson in Japan, which he welcomed. `[I’d be] 100% ready,` Tsunoda said. `I mean, the car is faster.`
Day 95: Lawson finished 12th in the Chinese Grand Prix, but this point-less finish masked deeper problems. He was over a minute behind Verstappen and only gained three positions due to post-race disqualifications. Horner notably declined to confirm Lawson`s position for the upcoming Japan race, signaling the likely outcome.
`You can see he’s under significant pressure currently,` Horner observed. He also mentioned that Red Bull couldn`t compete effectively `with only one strong driver.`
`I’m not naive,` Lawson admitted. `I understand that I’m here to perform, and if I’m not, I won’t be around for long.`
Day 99: Following intense speculation after the China race, Lawson’s removal was officially announced. Red Bull described it as a `purely sporting decision` aimed at improving their car`s performance.
`We recognize that substantial work is needed on the RB21, and Yuki’s experience will be invaluable in developing the current car,` Horner stated.
Dominic Ashworth