Liam Lawson reveals how Red Bull’s RB21 felt radically different, highlighting the aero philosophy built around Verstappen’s unique driving style.
Liam Lawson never really got the chance to prove himself at Red Bull Racing.
Team bosses later admitted they may have rushed their decision in promoting him—a brutal blow for the young New Zealander’s reputation.
But what really went wrong? Why was Lawson so far off Max Verstappen’s pace in Australia and China?
Before he learned he’d be sidelined, Lawson spoke candidly about the differences between the Red Bull cars he had driven in private testing.
“It really changes year to year,” he explained. “They’re all evolutions of the previous car, so it’s not completely new—but it’s still a big step.”
He continued, “We always aim to make the car faster and easier to drive, and honestly, the RB21 is more enjoyable.”
Surprising words, considering how much he seemed to struggle behind the wheel…
Lawson added, “Of course, I came from a car that wasn’t a Red Bull Racing car—it had its own unique feel. And this car? It drives very differently.”
“For me, it was all new. I’d never raced a Red Bull at a Grand Prix weekend before. Sure, I’d tested them, but racing is another story entirely.”
He also confirmed something that had been quietly discussed in the paddock: the fundamental aerodynamic philosophy of the RB21 is worlds apart from what he was used to with the Racing Bulls. Specifically, the Red Bull is tuned to favor front-end grip—a setup designed to suit Verstappen’s aggressive style.
“It’s honestly really different,” Lawson admitted.
“More than most people would expect.”
“Small details make a massive difference. On paper, the two cars share the same steering wheel, the same power unit, the same suspension. But the aerodynamics? Completely different. And in Formula 1, aero is everything. That’s what defines how a car drives.”
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Inside Red Bull: Lawson Unpacks the RB21 Handling Puzzle
Inside Red Bull: Lawson Unpacks the RB21 Handling Puzzle
