The 2025 F1 season proved to be a tough one for semi-rookie Liam Lawson. Starting the year as a Red Bull Racing driver alongside Max Verstappen, he was quickly demoted back to Racing Bulls. Despite two abysmal performances this was unexpectedly quick, even for Red Bull standards.
Back at the team where he had two previous stand-in stints to replace Daniel Ricciardo, the young Kiwi managed to get back on track. He managed to outscore his replacement at Red Bull Racing by five points, and that resulted in him being awarded another chance for 2026.
Lawson grateful for another opportunity
Ahead of the final race of the 2025 F1 season, Lawson learned that he is to retain his seat at Racing Bulls. His team mate will change however, as Isack Hadjar is promoted to Red Bull Racing. Joining Lawson at the Faenza-based outfit will be Arvid Lindblad, who competed in F2 last year.
“It’s been a tough year for sure,” Lawson looks back. “And one that I’ll definitely spend some time in the break reflecting on, because I haven’t really done that yet, and take all the learnings into next year.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to have another go next year and try and make it a bit easier.”
Year of survival
The start of the 2025 season was difficult for Lawson, as he failed to escape Q1 in both Australia and China. And despite a comeback to 12th in Shanghai, Red Bull Racing management decided they’d seen enough and swapped Lawson with his former team mate Yuki Tsunoda. A difficult time for the 23-year-old.
“It feels like so long ago, to be honest. I don’t even remember that much of it. It was a very sh*t time, honestly,” Lawson recalls his feelings.
At Racing Bulls, it took a bit of time to find his footing again. The first points of the season came at Monaco, with a fifth place in Baku being the best result of the season. With his results being up-and-down, much as the form of Racing Bulls, Lawson summarised the season as one of survival.
“It’s something I’ll reflect on, I’m sure, but I just haven’t done it yet. It’s been such a busy season, and I think it’s something I’ll learn from for sure. But I think most importantly, obviously, surviving this year and having another opportunity next year was the main target.”
