Red Bull’s management of its driver lineup has always been ruthless, but how they have treated Liam Lawson is nothing short of appalling.
What should have been a promising opportunity for the young New Zealander has instead become a masterclass in dodging accountability and using a driver as a scapegoat for their own failures.
Lawson proved his worth in 2023 when he stepped in for an injured Daniel Ricciardo and delivered strong performances despite limited preparation. Yet, rather than rewarding his efforts, Red Bull sacked him after only two races.
The Red Bull team constantly changed the car’s setup throughout Australia and China, never allowing Lawson to master a working setup.
The worst part? They have shifted the blame for their car’s lack of performance onto him rather than addressing the real issue: the second Racing Bulls seat is simply undrivable.
A Reputation in Tatters
By backing themselves into a corner with their poor handling of the situation, Red Bull has lost significant respect from fans and key figures in the Formula 1 paddock.
The decision to swap Yuki Tsunoda for Lawson has sparked outrage, not only because of the questionable merit of that choice after only two races but also because of the blatant disregard for Lawson’s talent and commitment.
What makes matters worse is the incredible risk this move poses for Yuki Tsunoda. This could be the decision that propels his career forward—or the one that marks its end. With how Red Bull has recently treated its drivers, one bad season could be enough for him to be thrown aside, just as Lawson was.
A Smart Plan Ignored
Liam Lawson has been loyal to Red Bull for six years, dedicating himself to their junior program and repeatedly proving his ability. He deserved better from the team.
The logical move would have been to place him in Racing Bulls alongside Isack Hadjar while promoting Yuki to the Red Bull senior team. Both drivers could have been placed on one-year contracts with performance-based clauses, allowing the team to reevaluate at the end of the 2025 season.
If Lawson had outperformed expectations, a driver swap could have been considered then. Instead, Red Bull chose to throw Lawson into the deep end, placing the least experienced driver in the most high-pressure F1 seat and expecting instant results—despite the car being so unmanageable that even a four-time world champion has commented on how undrivable it is.
They chose Lawson, and with that decision, they should have given him more than two races to prove himself. It’s ridiculous, considering the proven talent that got him that seat in the first place.
Positives
Looking at the positive side, by transitioning back to Racing Bulls, Lawson can focus on honing his abilities without the immediate pressures of the Red Bull team. This move should not be seen as a demotion but a strategic, positive realignment to foster his growth in a more accommodating setting.
In this environment, he can further develop his skills and gain invaluable experience in a car that may better suit his driving style and ultimately improve the Kiwi’s future outcome in Formula 1.
For New Zealand fans, this development should be viewed optimistically. Lawson’s return to Racing Bulls offers him a platform to showcase his talent and resilience. With continued support and development, he stands a stronger chance of securing a full-time seat in Formula 1 in 2026, reflecting his proven capabilities in motorsport.
A Toxic Fallout
Red Bull’s lack of care in this situation has created a media frenzy, indirectly inciting a wave of toxicity from so-called “fans ” and the media.
Instead of focusing on the team’s own failings, the narrative has been manipulated to turn Lawson into the villain—fueling online abuse and bullying. In a high-pressure sport like Formula 1, drivers’ mental health should matter just as much as their on-track performance. Red Bull’s negligence has affected not only Lawson’s career but has likely taken a toll on his well-being, which is unacceptable.
A Pattern of Disrespect
This isn’t an isolated incident. The way Red Bull and Racing Bulls have handled the sacking of Sergio Perez and the parting ways with Daniel Ricciardo is proof of a broader culture of callous decision-making. There’s a fine line between being “cutthroat” in a competitive sport and being outright cruel. Red Bull has not just crossed that line—they have obliterated it.
Red Bull Owes Liam Lawson an Apology
At the end of the day, Red Bull owes Liam Lawson an apology—whether publicly or privately. Their handling of this situation has left a sour taste in the mouths of fans, pundits, and even some within the paddock.
If Red Bull wants to retain even a shred of credibility and respect, they must take accountability for their actions instead of continuing their pattern of throwing drivers under the bus.
Formula 1 is brutal, but respect and integrity should never be casualties of ambition. Unfortunately, Red Bull has forgotten that.
Header Image: Zak Mauger/Getty Images
Spot on.
Well said
I don’t understand why everyone is so upset about this, Liam has been given an extremely tricky car, and struggled with it. In any other set up he would either have had to live with a dog for the rest of the season and do his prospects no good at all. Instead he has been thrown a life line of a top of mid field car that will showcase his talents much more to people that matter. That is not bad treatment it is pragmatic and helpful. I worry for Yuki!