Liam Lawson has admitted that Red Bull’s decision to drop him from the senior team two races into the 2025 Formula 1 season came as a complete “shock” to him.
Lawson endured a challenging start to the campaign, retiring at the opening round in Australia and then sustaining two finishes outside the points in China.
Red Bull announced last week that the Kiwi would be returning to Racing Bulls, with Yuki Tsunoda promoted in his place to the seat alongside Max Verstappen.
Lawson has publicly spoken for the first time since the decision, claiming that the decision came as a surprise.
“It was definitely a shock, honestly. It’s not something that I saw coming,” Lawson told Sky Sports F1.
“The discussions we were having as well, I think, weren’t really leaning in this direction, so it was definitely not something that I expected.”
“Obviously, I would have loved more time. I felt like with more time, especially going to places that I’d been before, it was a tough start.
“We had a rocky pre-season testing. We had a rocky first weekend in Melbourne with practice, and then obviously China was a Sprint.
“I think going to places that I’d been before with the way the car was quite tricky, I think that would have helped, and I would have loved that opportunity.”
“But obviously, it’s not my decision, so I’m here to make the most of this one.”
Lawson eager to prove a point in ‘easier’ Racing Bulls
Red Bull boss Christian Horner was diplomatic upon the swap, claiming the team needed a more experienced driver like Tsunoda to develop the RB21.
Lawson struggled to gel with Red Bull’s capricious 2025 challenger, with Horner expressing that the group has a “duty of care” towards the New Zealander.
Lawson has been given the chance to rebuild his career at Red Bull’s satellite squad, wich has begun the campaign in competitive shape within the midfield.
The 23-year-old will have something of a point to prove, with Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko branding the decision to hire him for the main team “a mistake.”
However, Marko has since claimed he is “not being demoted” and that the Racing Bulls VCARB 02 car is “easier to drive” than the RB21.
READ MORE – Helmut Marko denies Liam Lawson switch should be considered a ‘demotion’
