Liam Lawson had tasted the elite with Red Bull. A young talent waiting for his moment. A moment that came and then went. Perhaps he had dreamed of it all his life, that fateful moment when he would have crossed the threshold of the most coveted paddock in the sport as a race driver. Yet, the opportunity to sit behind the wheel of the car that produced the new four-time world champion was not enough to demonstrate his worth. As quickly as it had arrived, the opportunity vanished in two races, just over 106 laps. Just two Grands Prix to make the world understand that that place was deserved, not only because of Christian Horner's will, but also because of his talent. But the verdict is merciless: too many last places. Is out.
Liam Lawson and the verdict: what happened?
According to Jos Verstappen, Liam should stay in Formula 1, but for Red Bull… a few steps back. In his place, in fact, will be Yuki Tsunoda, already frustrated by his absence from the main team and now ready to finally get involved. It is clear that the time given to him was too short, but Lawson has experienced the paradox of modern Formula 1. No patience. In Australia he struggled, in China he failed to recover and Liam, who had already seen his name shine in 2024, saw his world collapse around him.
A great opportunity. A dream. Imagine the scene: a young 22-year-old New Zealander, alongside the four-time world champion, ready to challenge him and show what he is capable of. And then… the truth: There is no room for underperformance at Red Bull. The team, as we know, has a resounding competitive spirit and always high expectations… and does not forgive those who are unable to keep up. We saw this already in the Australian GP, with a tremor in Hadjar's eyes, who feared for his career in front of Helmut Marko's words. So what do we do? Lawson out, like Perez, Albon, Gasly, Kvjat…
This decision is not only a blow to Lawson, but also to those who had seen him as a promise. "We want two competitive drivers, ready to take the team to the maximum of its capabilities,” said Christian Horner. And despite the words of support, the message is clear: will alone is not enough.
Verstappen's reaction: silent and significant support
Max Verstappen, Lawson's teammate, showed solidarity towards the young New Zealander. A rivalry therefore non-existent, since the gesture of the 27-year-old Dutchman was public and clear: Max expressed his disagreement by liking Giedo van der Garde's post who expressed the same dissent.
Many, in fact, have sided with the reigning champion, wondering if Red Bull had made a mistake in not giving Lawson more time. And while the discussion is still open, Helmut Marko has tried to put an end to the controversy, explaining that every choice is made with a view to maximizing the team's performance. And the decision leaves no room for doubt.
But are two races really enough to define a driver?
Red Bull's answer was clear: yes. And so Yuki Tsunoda took his place, in a reshuffle that left the environment surprised and the fans divided. Horner spoke of the need for competitiveness, Marko of the need to give the team two drivers at the right level, while also safeguarding, in his opinion, Lawson's career. “It was a dream come true for me, and even if the road ends here, my passion will never end. I will come back stronger”, Lawson said. And he will do it in Racing Bulls.
The controversy: Red Bull too quick to change its mind?
Many wonder whether Tsunoda will be able to justify this decision with performances superior to those of Lawson. Yet there is fear: the fate of Red Bull talents is often cruel and the Milton Keynes team is no stranger to complexities with young drivers. Vettel, Verstappen, Ricciardo did well. But all the others ended up in the spiral of testing. But if some of them really didn't perform, one must ask without fear why. Do they give their drivers too little time to be like Max today?
And now, what's left for Lawson?
Anger, maybe. Frustration. The driver said he had been informed of his removal from social media, but that frustration could turn into his strength. Proving that he wasn't just a stopgap, that those two races are not a reflection of his true talent, and rising from the ashes are possible consequences of the latest events.
The history of Formula 1 is full of comebacks, of drivers who have had the character to do it. But in the meantime, the paddock goes on, the circus continues to spin and while his car is already in the hands of someone else, he rushes to get back on track more charged for this weekend in Japan. The lesson is clear: in Red Bull time is a luxury and Lawson has learned this in the cruelest way possible. And it might not be the last…
