Liam Lawson is under much pressure in his stint at Red Bull. He hasn’t had the best qualification results ever since the season started. Even during the qualification for the Chinese Grand Prix, the Kiwi qualified P20.
Lawson replaced Sergio Perez at Red Bull and fans had high hopes for the young driver. However, Lawson looks like he is cracking the immense pressure he is under at Red Bull. Jumping from a VCARB to a Red Bull is a significant difference. Red Bull also has a difficult car this season, so that’s adding to the pile.
Liam Lawson’s performance under observation
Liam Lawson’s seat at Red Bull, realistically, has two more drivers still gunning for it, Isack Hadjar, and Yuki Tsunoda. Both the junior team drivers have outperformed Lawson in the season till now.
Hadjar and Tsunoda have both shown impressive pace and managed to make it to Q3 in China. Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s advisor, has taken note of these performances and talked about Lawson’s situation.
Liam Lawson Frustrated by Tyre Temperatures After Qualifying Last for Chinese GP Sprint
“This is not what we expected.”
“We will discuss it calmly. We still have a few drivers among them who can recommend themselves. Thank God we are in a good position.” said Marko.
“Let’s look at the positives: Isack Hadjar, who has never driven on this track before, is banging out incredible times in his second race, making no mistakes.”
“What he has shown so far is absolutely fascinating. The sun and the shadow are close together and we’ll see what happens.” he added.
When asked if Red Bull could make a change to its lineup in the 2025 season, he replied: “Formula 1 is a competitive sport.”
“Ultimately, that’s what counts.”
Marko’s replies don’t spell good news for Lawson, who has been under immense pressure at Red Bull. While many think the Kiwi needs to be replaced, there are many more in his support stating that his situation is unfair.
The reason Liam Lawson performed well at VCARB and not at Red Bull
There are several factors to consider when you look at Liam Lawson in Red Bull. He is, by no means, an underperforming driver. Lawson has the stats and accomplishments to prove that he is worthy of the seat he is in.
However, Liam Lawson is partnering with Max Verstappen, the reigning champion. The Dutch driver is known to outperform his teammates, who are usually unable to keep up with his driving.
We have seen Alex Albon, Pierre Gasly, and even Sergio Perez fall victim to Verstappen’s outstanding performances. None of Verstappen’s ex-teammates were underdelivering drivers. Sergio Perez is a multiple-race winner while Albon and Gasly are making a name for themselves in other teams.
Is the Red Bull Second Seat Cursed or a Result of Poor Decisions?
In the case of Lawson, it is worth noting that he got used to the VCARB car last season. Red Bull’s car is known to be factored toward Max Verstappen’s driving style, making it difficult for newer drivers to adapt to. The VCARB car was easier to get used to comparatively, and we saw Lawson shine with it.
It is still too early for Red Bull to make a decision and for the fans to jump to conclusions. Lawson can get used to the car any time yet and deliver performances that turn everyone’s opinions around.
The Chinese Grand Prix is tomorrow, and Liam Lawson might just pull a miracle at Shanghai.
