Red Bull’s reputation for swift and unforgiving driver changes reached a new extreme in 2025 when Liam Lawson was dropped after just two difficult race weekends alongside Max Verstappen.
Lawson’s time in the RB21 ended abruptly following a crash from 18th on the grid in Melbourne and a disastrous outing in China, where he qualified last for both the sprint and the grand prix. Red Bull leadership, including Helmut Marko and Christian Horner, felt the poor start risked derailing Lawson’s season entirely. Lawson, however, maintained that he simply needed more time in the car and that confidence was not the underlying issue.
Reflecting later, Lawson admitted the brief stint passed in a blur, but he also acknowledged that the experience ultimately strengthened him as a driver. Although disappointed to be replaced by Yuki Tsunoda, the 23-year-old had little opportunity to dwell on the decision, as he immediately returned to Racing Bulls for the Japanese Grand Prix.
That move marked the beginning of a crucial 22-race run alongside rookie Isack Hadjar, a period that would prove vital in shaping Lawson’s Formula 1 future. With Red Bull assessing how to allocate its driver pool ahead of the 2026 season, Lawson’s priority became proving his consistency and resilience.
Hadjar’s familiarity with the car, gained through pre-season testing and the opening rounds, gave the Frenchman an early advantage, particularly in qualifying. However, Lawson gradually closed the gap, establishing a reliable performance baseline and delivering consistently strong race pace as the season progressed.
Racing Bulls team principal Peter Bayer praised Lawson’s development, highlighting his steady improvement and dependable race performances as key positives by the end of the year.
Despite having taken part in 35 grands prix, Lawson has yet to complete a full season with a single team. That will change in 2026, when he finally gets the opportunity to contest an entire campaign in a stable environment and address any remaining doubts about his long-term prospects.
Looking back on 2025, Lawson believes the progress he made throughout the year has left him in a far stronger position. While acknowledging that much of the season involved playing catch-up, he feels more comfortable, more consistent, and better prepared to build on the lessons learned.