Amid growing doubts about his future, Liam Lawson responds bluntly to rumours of being dropped by Red Bull before Suzuka.
Liam Lawson admits he’s feeling the pressure after another tough Formula 1 weekend in China, where he fears his Red Bull seat could be slipping away.
The young New Zealander had a frustrating outing in Shanghai, qualifying last for both the Sprint and the main race. With no points scored and a noticeable performance gap compared to teammate Max Verstappen, concerns are mounting within the Red Bull camp.
That gap, in fact, has been more alarming than the difference seen between Verstappen and Sergio Perez last season. As a result, Red Bull higher-ups Helmut Marko and Christian Horner haven’t ruled out a swift driver change.
Yuki Tsunoda is reportedly the frontrunner if Lawson is replaced, though Red Bull junior Isack Hadjar is also under consideration. While Hadjar is already matching Tsunoda’s lap times in some sessions, Tsunoda’s F1 experience may give him the edge if Red Bull opts for a mid-season switch.
An urgent meeting is set to take place this week at Red Bull’s HQ in Milton Keynes. Max Verstappen has been asked to attend—unless he becomes a father in the coming days, which could understandably take priority.
Speaking before leaving the Shanghai paddock, Lawson addressed the swirling speculation.
“There’s not much more I can say. I haven’t had time to properly get to grips with the car, and the season’s already moving fast. We’re dropping points every race. That’s what I meant when I said I don’t have time,” Lawson explained.
“But I’m not stupid. I know why I’m here — to perform. And if I don’t, I won’t be here much longer. So my focus is on learning the car as quickly as possible.”
“No one’s happy — not me, not the team. I don’t know what more there is to say.”
When asked about Max Verstappen’s comment that he could be faster in the Racing Bulls car, Lawson didn’t mince words.
“I don’t think that really matters, to be honest. I need to be quick in this car.”
He also fired back at Tsunoda, who had confidently claimed over the weekend that he’d be “100% ready” to step up to Red Bull by Suzuka. Lawson kept his response sharp and to the point.
“He can say what he wants. I raced against him for years in the junior categories — and I beat him. I’ve done the same in F1. He can talk, but this job is incredibly tough. I’m working as hard as I possibly can, and that’s the truth.”
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Lawson Hits Back at Suzuka Talk: “I’m Not Stupid” Lawson Hits Back at Suzuka Talk: “I’m Not Stupid”
