Home
Red Bull’s newest recruit, Liam Lawson, finds himself on shaky ground just weeks into his debut season with the team. The New Zealand driver, promoted from AlphaTauri after a brief stint as a reserve driver, has struggled to meet expectations since replacing Sergio Perez. A disastrous Australian Grand Prix—where he crashed out after qualifying 18th—and a dismal showing in China, where he finished last in both sprint qualifying and the sprint race, have fueled speculation about his future.
With Red Bull’s junior team star Yuki Tsunoda delivering consistent performances, pressure is mounting for Lawson to prove he belongs in one of F1’s most coveted seats.
Yuki Tsunoda’s rise vs. Liam Lawson’s struggles
Lawson’s rocky start has reignited Red Bull’s perennial dilemma: finding a teammate capable of supporting Max Verstappen without crumbling under the spotlight. While the 22-year-old impressed as a stand-in for Daniel Ricciardo in 2023, his transition to Red Bull’s senior team has been fraught with setbacks. In contrast, Tsunoda—once criticized for erratic performances—has evolved into Racing Bulls’ standout driver, securing two-thirds of the team’s points in 2024. His ninth-place qualifying effort in Shanghai and pointed remarks about readiness for a Red Bull seat (“Yeah, why not?”) have only amplified scrutiny on Liam Lawson.
The Kiwi admitted to Sky F1 that time is not on his side: “I don’t really have time… It’s just one of those things that me driving a Formula 1 car takes 100 percent confidence in what you’re doing.” He acknowledged the RB21’s narrow performance window, a challenge Verstappen has mastered but one that leaves Lawson grappling for consistency. “The window is so small… I just need to get a handle on it,” he conceded.
Red Bull’s ruthless history looms large
Lawson’s plight mirrors Red Bull’s past struggles with second drivers. Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon both faltered alongside Verstappen, while Sergio Perez’s recent decline underscored the toll of competing against the Dutch phenom. Team principal Christian Horner faces a critical decision: stick with Liam Lawson’s potential or pivot to Tsunoda’s proven grit. Sky F1’s Ted Kravitz bluntly questioned Horner:
“You didn’t pay off [Perez] for this, did you? The point was to replace [him] with a quicker driver, and is he just not a quicker driver?”
Compounding Lawson’s woes is the standout form of rookies like Kimi Antonelli and Isack Hadjar, who’ve adapted swiftly to their teams. Meanwhile, Lawson’s lack of seat time at Albert Park and Shanghai—coupled with practice disruptions—has left him playing catch-up.
Yet, as he noted, “If Max is able to drive [the RB21], then I should be able to as well.”
What’s Next for Lawson?
Red Bull’s faith in Liam Lawson hinges on rapid improvement. The team’s title ambitions demand a reliable No. 2 driver, and Tsunoda’s resurgence offers a tempting alternative. Lawson’s ability to rebound at familiar circuits like Suzuka could buy him time, but patience is thin in Milton Keynes. “It’s not good enough,” he admitted, vowing to refine his approach.
For now, Red Bull must weigh Lawson’s untapped potential against Tsunoda’s readiness. A mid-season swap could salvage their Constructors’ Championship bid, but it would also risk stalling Lawson’s career. As the European leg approaches, the Kiwi’s resilience—and Red Bull’s ruthless calculus—will determine whether he survives F1’s hottest seat.
