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The pressure is building on Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls, with former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya hinting that the Kiwi’s seat may not be safe for much longer in the 2025 season.
After losing his short-lived Red Bull opportunity earlier this year, Lawson returned to Racing Bulls with expectations—but has so far failed to deliver. With teammate Isack Hadjar already scoring five points, Lawson remains point-less, prompting fresh speculation about his future.
Montoya: “Wouldn’t Be Surprised” If Lawson Is Replaced
Speaking to AS, Juan Pablo Montoya didn’t mince words when assessing Lawson’s uncertain position within the Red Bull family.
“I’ll tell you the truth. If Liam doesn’t improve any further, I wouldn’t be surprised if they put Lindblad in at some point. Not at all. I wouldn’t be a little surprised,” Montoya said.
The former McLaren and Williams driver emphasized that despite Lawson proving his potential during last year’s F1 cameo, the brutal nature of Red Bull’s system leaves no room for prolonged underperformance.
“Honestly, Liam has been given the green light last year and has proven that he has what it takes to do a good job. They gave him the Red Bull seat, and he won it.”
“The Red Bull situation was complicated and I think it took a very strong blow to his liver, and he needs a lot of psychological treatment after that.”
“And if he doesn’t recover soon, I’m sure Red Bull will start looking elsewhere because that’s how they work.”
Rising Star Arvid Lindblad Waiting in the Wings
While Lawson struggles to find form, 17-year-old Arvid Lindblad is rapidly climbing the ranks within Red Bull’s junior program. The British driver has impressed many, including Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko.
“We are not looking for a new Max, we are looking for a new champion and I think the next one which looks really promising is Arvid Lindblad,” Marko said on the Inside Line F1 podcast.
Marko added that changes are being made to provide Lindblad and other young drivers more track time in older-spec F1 cars to help them transition more effectively.
“I think in the past, if I compare with [Jack] Doohan, or with [Oscar] Piastri, or also with [Oliver] Bearman, they had a lot of tests in the two-year-old version Formula 1 car.”
“For example, Liam Lawson didn’t have this opportunity, and also [Isack] Hadjar, to a certain amount, didn’t have this opportunity.”
“And this we will change for Arvid that he, if he makes a very good season in Formula 2, that he can go with good experience into Formula 1 in 2026. Maybe.”
Time Running Out for Lawson?
With Arvid Lindblad gaining momentum and Hadjar outperforming Lawson, the clock may be ticking on the Kiwi’s second F1 chance. In Red Bull’s fast-paced environment, even a few underwhelming races could lead to a drastic reshuffle—something Montoya and many in the paddock are now openly predicting.
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