In the cutthroat world of Formula 1, where talent is fiercely judged and opportunities are fleeting, a setback can feel like the end. Yet, for Liam Lawson, his Red Bull demotion for the 2025 F1 season revealed an unexpected beacon of support: reigning champion Max Verstappen.
Key Takeaways from Lawson's Story:
- Liam Lawson was initially slated for a Red Bull seat in 2025 before a swift change saw him moved.
- Max Verstappen showed immense personal support to Lawson during and after his demotion, offering guidance and even rides.
- Lawson is now firmly set to drive for Racing Bulls in 2026 alongside rookie Arvid Lindblad.
- Racing Bulls experienced an "inconsistent" but productive pre-season testing phase, eyeing the Australian Grand Prix.
The Red Bull Rollercoaster: A Lesson in Resilience
Lawson’s journey through the Red Bull ranks has been a whirlwind. Initially, he was earmarked to replace Sergio Perez at the senior team for 2025, a dream scenario for any aspiring F1 driver. However, the landscape quickly shifted.
After just two race weekends, Yuki Tsunoda unexpectedly stepped into that coveted Red Bull seat. The changes didn't stop there; Tsunoda has since moved to a reserve role, with Isack Hadjar now projected for the 2026 slot.
Verstappen's Class Act: Beyond the Grid Rivalry
Amidst this career turbulence, Lawson found an unlikely ally in Max Verstappen. Speaking on the Gypsy Tales Podcast, the young New Zealander couldn't praise the three-time world champion enough, highlighting his genuine character.
"He's also so, so nice as a person. He's such a nice guy. Through everything that happened last year with Red Bull, he was so good to me, man," Lawson explained. This level of personal support from a direct competitor in a ruthless sport is rare and speaks volumes about Verstappen.
Verstappen wasn't just helpful with advice; his generosity extended to personal gestures. "Quite often he flies home, and I just moved to Monaco last year, and he's like 'Just come with me if you ever need a ride.'" This demonstrates a true mentorship and a bond forged beyond team allegiances.
Racing Bulls' Future: Setting Sights on 2026
Despite the Red Bull setback, Lawson has secured his future, retaining his seat with Racing Bulls for the 2026 season. He will be joined by rookie Arvid Lindblad, signaling a fresh chapter for the team.
The recent pre-season testing in Bahrain offered a glimpse into Racing Bulls' preparations. Lawson characterized the testing as "a little bit inconsistent" but noted positive findings and no major standout issues.
"We're trying a lot of different things at the moment and some stuff has not worked," Lawson shared with the media. "And then other stuff we found has been quite positive." The focus now shifts to fine-tuning ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 6-8, where conditions will be vastly different.
