Liam Lawson has endured one of the hardest seasons any driver has had to face in 2025, well, except of course Lewis Hamilton. First, he ended up out of points for the first two races, then was demoted to Red Bull’s sister team, Racing Bulls, and now, the uncertainty of even having the opportunity to retain his seat in the Racing Bulls. Rumours about his Red Bull career being on shaky ground are swirling louder than ever. So, let’s cut through the noise and get to the truth behind Liam Lawson’s F1 journey so far this year and what’s next for him.
Liam Lawson’s Dream Debut Turned Nightmare
Lawson started 2025 with a dream most rookies wish for: getting promoted to the senior Red Bull Racing team, replacing Sergio Pérez and partnering none other than Max Verstappen. Sounds like a fairy tale, right? But reality hit hard. After just two races, his performances were scrutinised heavily, and he was replaced by Yuki Tsunoda, another driver fighting his own battles to secure a long-term spot. Lawson’s stint with Red Bull lasted only a heartbeat before he found himself back with the junior team, Racing Bulls.
Now, many fans have been asking, “Is Liam Lawson’s Red Bull career really in danger, or is this just part of the ride?”
First off, it’s important to understand that Red Bull’s driver program is notoriously ruthless. They are on a constant hunt for the “next Max Verstappen,” a driver not only fast but fearless, consistent, and able to handle immense pressure. Jamie Chadwick, a respected F1 pundit, recently warned that both Lawson and Tsunoda might be next in line for the exit if they don’t up their game. That’s some serious pressure for a kid still in the early stages of his career.
When asked about whether Racing Bulls will be introducing two new rookies next year as Isack Hadjar gears up for being promoted to Red Bull, he said, “I think they might. And if they do, I think it’s very obvious, because they are constantly looking to try and find the next Max Verstappen. They don’t want to find the next number two driver, or just a driver that can be solid across the board.”
Trying To Find A New Max Verstappen
“They want to find drivers who are these superstars in F1. If they just keep the same line-up as they’ve got, they know that those two drivers aren’t going to be Red Bull Racing drivers. They accept that they’re not going to match Verstappen, but never be within a tenth or so of Max, which is what they really need. So are they better off just trying something new, putting someone new in? A younger driver, a fresh driver, and they might find (someone) like they have with Isack Hadjar in the Racing Bulls.” Chadiwck added
The bigger challenge is the crowded talent pool at Red Bull’s disposal. With Isack Hadjar stepping up impressively in Racing Bulls, the competition for that coveted Red Bull seat is fierce. Red Bull’s team adviser Helmut Marko even admitted they might have rushed Lawson’s promotion earlier in the season, saying he “lost confidence and couldn’t show his real potential.” Ouch, but also honest.
So, is Liam Lawson’s Red Bull career in danger? The short answer is yes, but it’s not over yet. This season is a reality check, but it’s also an opportunity. If Lawson can leverage his time in Racing Bulls to sharpen his skills, regain confidence, and consistently deliver strong results, the door to Red Bull Racing might open again.
One thing’s for sure: Lawson’s story is far from finished. Whether he climbs back into a Red Bull F1 seat soon or carves out a new path elsewhere, this season is shaping him into a fighter. And in F1, sometimes the biggest test isn’t just about winning races, it’s about handling setbacks and coming back stronger.
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