Liam Lawson’s Journey with Racing Bulls: A New Chapter in Formula 1

Liam Lawson’s career trajectory in Formula 1 has seen its share of ups and downs, particularly during the 2025 season. After being moved from Red Bull Racing to Racing Bulls, Lawson’s path has taken a significant turn, leading to questions about his future and potential return to a top team. Helmut Marko, a prominent figure within Red Bull, reassured fans and critics alike that this transition was not a demotion but rather an opportunity for Lawson to grow in a more competitive environment.

A Rocky Start for Lawson

The 2025 season began with considerable promise for Lawson, who had recently taken over Daniel Ricciardo’s seat in Red Bull’s secondary team. With a limited record in Formula 1—having participated in fewer than twelve Grand Prix weekends—Lawson was thrust into the spotlight as a potential successor to Sergio Perez. However, his initial experiences were less than ideal, marked by difficulties during pre-season testing in Bahrain and a challenging start to the racing calendar.

Marko highlighted that Lawson’s struggles began early on, particularly when the third practice session in Australia was canceled. This setback negatively impacted Lawson’s confidence, leading to a series of underwhelming performances. Marko noted that the team needed to find a way to halt this downward trend to provide Lawson with a viable career path in Formula 1.

Transition to Racing Bulls

Despite the tumultuous start to 2025, Lawson’s transfer to Racing Bulls was seen as a step towards revitalizing his performance. However, his early races with the team were not encouraging. In his first five outings, Lawson failed to make it to Q3 and did not score any points. In contrast, his teammate, Isack Hadjar, displayed impressive form, making it to Q3 three times and scoring points in both Japan and Saudi Arabia.

Marko maintained that Lawson’s move was strategic, emphasizing that Racing Bulls had a more manageable car compared to the RB21, which could help him regain his footing in the sport. As speculation mounted regarding Lawson’s long-term future with the team, many began to wonder if he would even finish the season with Racing Bulls, especially with the emergence of young talents like Arvid Lindblad in Formula 2.

Regaining Confidence and Performance

While Lawson’s initial performances raised concerns, he gradually stabilized his season with a series of strong results over the summer months. His turnaround began in Monaco, where he showed signs of improving form. Although he did not out-qualify Hadjar, his close positioning on the grid allowed for strategic advantages that benefited both drivers in subsequent races.

The introduction of updates to Racing Bulls’ front suspension played a significant role in enhancing Lawson’s confidence and performance. With these adjustments, he managed to secure points finishes in Austria, Belgium, and Hungary. Notably, in Hungary, Lawson executed a one-stop strategy that saw him finish ahead of Verstappen, a significant achievement considering the competitive field.

Alan Permane, the Racing Bulls team principal, acknowledged Lawson’s efforts, noting that he and his engineering team worked diligently to refine the car’s setup. The positive changes led to a resurgence in Lawson’s performance, marking a critical point in his season.

The Shift in Dynamics

As Lawson’s performances improved, the narrative around him began to change. His confidence appeared to rebound, even if he insisted that he never truly lost it. His body language shifted from uncertainty to determination, reflecting a newfound comfort in the car. Lawson emphasized that the improvements were not just due to the car’s setup but also stemmed from personal resilience and hard work.

The competition within the team remained fierce, particularly with Tsunoda’s inconsistent performances since the swap. The Japanese driver struggled to secure top finishes, finishing in the top ten only twice and facing a points drought since Monaco. In contrast, Lawson managed to outperform Tsunoda in qualifying, making it to Q3 on four occasions compared to Tsunoda’s two, showcasing his potential and skill behind the wheel.

Future Prospects and Team Dynamics

As the mid-season break approached, Lawson found himself accumulating 20 points, just two points behind his teammate Hadjar. His improved form not only silenced critics but also positioned him as a contender for a potential return to Red Bull in the future. However, Lawson remained focused on his current performances and was not overly concerned about the prospect of returning to the main team.

The dynamics within Red Bull Racing have been intriguing, particularly under Christian Horner’s leadership, which has historically not favored giving second chances to drivers who have faltered. The case of Pierre Gasly serves as a reminder that even drivers who have shown promise in lower-tier teams have struggled to regain their positions in the main team. Yet, with ongoing uncertainties and limited alternatives for Red Bull, Lawson’s resurgence could not have come at a more opportune time.

Insiders indicated that Tsunoda’s inconsistent results may lead to a reassessment of his future with the team. Despite showing glimpses of improvement, including close qualifying times with Verstappen, Tsunoda’s inability to deliver consistent performances could open the door for Lawson.

Conclusion: A New Era for Lawson

Liam Lawson’s journey through the 2025 Formula 1 season has been a testament to resilience and determination. From a rocky start to finding his footing with Racing Bulls, Lawson has demonstrated that he possesses the skills necessary to compete at a high level. His ability to adapt to new challenges, combined with strategic adjustments from his team, has set the stage for a competitive second half of the season.

As Lawson looks ahead, he is poised to make the most of his opportunities, with several circuits on the calendar where he has prior experience. The excitement surrounding his future continues to grow, as fans and analysts alike keep a close eye on his performances. Whether he eventually returns to Red Bull or continues to build his legacy with Racing Bulls, one thing is clear: Lawson is a talent to watch in the world of Formula 1.