Liam Lawson had a rollercoaster ride in last year’s Formula 1 season. After moving to Red Bull in 2024, he quickly found himself overshadowed by top driver Max Verstappen. Following two lackluster performances in Australia and Shanghai, he was sent back to Racing Bulls. His replacement, Yuki Tsunoda, also struggled with the main team. However, while the Japanese driver will take on a testing and reserve role this year, Lawson managed to keep his seat at Racing Bulls. CEO Peter Bayer reveals why.
After the nightmare at Red Bull, it took Liam Lawson a few Grands Prix to find his footing again with the sister team. It wasn’t until Monaco that he softened the blow, rewarding a strong qualifying performance with valuable points. Despite a relatively solid continuation of the season, his future remained uncertain for a long time; it was only in the last week that it became clear he would stay. According to CEO Peter Bayer, one decisive factor influenced that decision.
“We knew him (Liam Lawson, ed.) from that infamous day in Zandvoort,” Bayer referred to Lawson’s first substitute appearance during the Dutch GP in 2023. The New Zealander filled in for the injured Daniel Ricciardo for five races. “He was already with us as a reserve driver and always fit well into the team,” the CEO explained. For Racing Bulls, Lawson’s development weighed heavily. “Honestly, we saw his performances stabilize, and that was the most important thing for us. That made the difference when we decided to give him the seat next year.”
Lawson’s Future at Racing Bulls: A Promising Outlook
Liam Lawson‘s return to Racing Bulls after a brief but intense stint with Red Bull has left its mark. Team principal Bayer admitted Lawson came back “a bit shaken,” but he also highlighted the team’s pragmatic approach. “That’s one of our strengths; everyone understands that these things can happen,” Bayer stated. This flexibility, he insists, is crucial. “Since we are constantly developing talent, we are used to changes, even mid-season. No one panics, no one thinks, ‘Oh my God, a new driver.’ For us, it’s always: ‘Okay, fine. Let’s help him.’”
Lawson’s retention aligns perfectly with Racing Bulls’ philosophy. “He fits well with us,” Bayer concluded. “He has been part of the talent program for years, and honestly, he did everything right last year.” While there’s still work to be done, the team sees plenty of potential. “Despite setbacks and issues with his race pace, there were races where he was faster than Hadjar. We need to work on his qualifying speed, but he has a lot of potential.”
