Liam Lawson after his ousting from Red Bull: « It’s hard, but I’m grateful »
Liam Lawson reacted on social networks to his relegation from Red Bull Racing to Visa Cash App RB after just two Grand Prix. In a message posted on Instagram, the New Zealand driver expressed his disappointment but also his gratitude, and said he was « excited and ready » to work with VCARB again.
Liam Lawson took to social media to express himself following the announcement of his demotion to Visa Cash App RB. The New Zealander, who only took part in two Grand Prix with Red Bull Racing, was replaced by Yuki Tsunoda starting from the Japanese Grand Prix after delivering performances below expectations.
In a post on his Instagram account, Lawson reacted to the decision: « Being a driver for Red Bull Racing has been my dream since I was a kid, it’s what I’ve worked for my whole life. It’s tough, but I’m grateful for everything that brought me to this point. To each of you who have supported me, thank you – it means the world to me. » A sober message, conveying both the disappointment of losing his seat and the gratitude for the opportunity, brief as it was.
A difficult stint at Red Bull
Lawson’s time at Red Bull Racing was as short as it was challenging. His performances during the first two races of the 2025 season quickly brought his adventure with the main team to an end. At the Australian and Chinese Grand Prix, Lawson never managed to qualify higher than 18th place, retiring in Melbourne and finishing 12th in Shanghai. The result: zero points scored, compared to 36 for teammate Max Verstappen. The performances fell short of expectations, and he seemed powerless in a RB21 that clearly didn’t suit him. Faced with this, Red Bull — actively competing for the drivers’ and constructors’ titles — decided to act swiftly.
Christian Horner, team principal of the Austrian outfit, explained the move as a « duty of care » toward Lawson: « We have a responsibility to protect and develop Liam, and together we feel that after such a tough start, it makes sense to act quickly so he can gain experience while continuing his F1 career with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, an environment and team he knows very well. »
Return to VCARB, a chance to bounce back
With this demotion to Visa Cash App RB, Lawson returns to familiar ground, having raced 11 Grand Prix with the team between 2023 and 2024.
Laurent Mekies, team principal, immediately offered support to the young driver, sharing both his and the team’s enthusiasm: « Everyone here at VCARB is eager to work hard with Liam to give him the best environment possible to shine in our car and show the talent we all know he has. He fit in very well last year, and we’re excited to challenge ourselves and grow together as a team. »
Lawson’s return to Racing Bulls isn’t necessarily a failure. He will join up with French rookie Isack Hadjar as his teammate, forming a duo of young, hungry drivers determined to prove their worth. Whatever happens next, Lawson seems fully intent on turning the page. After thanking his new-but-familiar team for their « warm welcome », the former Red Bull driver concluded: « I’m excited and ready to get to work in one of my favourite places [Japan]. »
Liam Lawson’s story once again highlights the harsh reality of Formula 1, where opportunities are fast and fragile. But at only 23 years old, the New Zealand driver still has everything he needs to bounce back and keep chasing his dream of shining at the highest level.
