Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Formula 1: Red Bull Replaces Liam Lawson After Dismal Start to Season
- Kiwi Driver Replaced by Team Following Two Races
- Decision Follows Poor Performances in Australian and Chinese Grand Prix Events
Formula 1 driver Liam Lawson’s supporters have been reminded of his long-held aspiration after the New Zealander was abruptly removed from his Red Bull seat after just two races.
The 23-year-old’s departure was confirmed on Thursday, with team principal Christian Horner citing Lawson’s results as the reason for the change. Lawson qualified 18th and retired in Melbourne, and then started last and finished 18th in China, performances Horner described as “challenging.”
Reports indicate that Red Bull’s swift decision unsettled Max Verstappen, with the reigning world champion reportedly endorsing a social media post from a former F1 figure. The post suggested Lawson’s removal was detrimental to his morale and bordered on being overly harsh, rather than being solely based on race performance.
Lawson Shares Heartfelt Message and Childhood Dreams
Lawson has since deepened sympathy from fans, sharing an emotional message on Instagram accompanied by images highlighting his lifelong ambition to race for Red Bull.
“Becoming a @redbullracing driver has been my objective since childhood; it’s what I’ve dedicated my entire career towards,” he stated.
“This is a difficult moment, but I am appreciative for every experience that has led me to this point.”
Liam Lawson (pictured at the Chinese Grand Prix) has evoked sympathy from fans following his abrupt dismissal by Red Bull.
The New Zealand racer shared a childhood photo from a school presentation about his F1 dream.
He also revealed a childhood drawing, underscoring that racing for Red Bull was his lifelong pursuit.
“To everyone who has supported me, thank you for your incredible support, it truly means the world.”
One of the shared images depicted a young Lawson delivering a school presentation about his aspirations to be a racing driver, while another was a childhood drawing listing ‘F1 driver’ as his dream profession.
Girlfriend’s Support and Record-Short Stint
Hannah St John, Lawson’s girlfriend, also used social media to express her reaction to his dismissal.
She posted a simple monochrome image of them holding hands, accompanied by a heart emoji.
Lawson’s tenure with Red Bull marks the briefest period a driver has occupied a Formula One seat in history, excluding instances of illness or injury.
His two-race Red Bull stint is shorter than that of Yuji Ide, who participated in four races for Super Aguri in 2006.
Tsunoda to Replace Lawson at Japanese Grand Prix
Lawson will now compete for Racing Bulls at the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix event next weekend.
Racing Bulls is Red Bull’s sister team. Lawson previously drove for them last season before his promotion to Red Bull. Yuki Tsunoda, his 2024 Racing Bulls teammate from Japan, will now take his place alongside Max Verstappen.
Lawson’s girlfriend, Hannah St John (pictured together), showed her support via social media following his record-breaking dismissal.
Yuki Tsunoda (pictured), Lawson’s former Racing Bulls teammate, will now succeed him as Max Verstappen’s teammate.
Red Bull Statement on Driver Change
A statement from Red Bull clarified: “Following a challenging start to the season for Liam Lawson, Red Bull has decided that from the 2025 Japan GP, Yuki Tsunoda will race for Red Bull, with Liam returning to Racing Bulls.”
“Red Bull benefits from having four F1 seats, allowing the team to implement a driver rotation strategy, positioning Yuki alongside current world champion Max Verstappen.”
Horner commented: “Liam’s difficulties adapting to the RB21 in the initial two races have been evident. Consequently, we have collectively opted for a prompt change.”
“Our objectives for the 2025 season are unchanged: to secure both the drivers’ and constructors’ world championships. This decision is purely sports-driven.”
“We recognize the substantial development required for the RB21, and Yuki’s expertise will be invaluable in progressing the car’s performance.”