Liam Lawson has revealed that he could have “got his head around” Red Bull’s car had he not been demoted two rounds into the 2025 Formula 1 season.
The Kiwi driver, who partook in his first complete season in F1 in 2025, faced an early demotion, being dropped down to the Racing Bulls team.
Whilst out of his control, Lawson admitted that he still regrets losing his Red Bull Racing drive earlier this year, despite salvaging a place on the 2026 grid.
Lawson emphasised that the situation came as a sudden blow, particularly as he was given two races at tracks he had never raced at previously to prove his worth.
“I would have liked to have thought that, with the right amount of time, I would have got my head around it, honestly,” Lawson said.
“Two races were so short that I don’t even really remember them.”
Lawson’s team-mate Isack Hadjar will move up to Red Bull. Meanwhile, the 23-year-old has been retained for another season at Racing Bulls which, given his results when compared to his rookie teammate was not on the cards when looking at UK best betting sites earlier this season.
Despite the initial disappointment earlier this season, Lawson acknowledged that having clarity over his future has lifted a significant weight off his shoulders.
Unlike previous seasons, the Kiwi went into the final race with his future confirmed, a luxury that Lawson rarely experienced throughout the junior ranks.
“It’s probably a bit more relief than anything right now,” he admitted.
“It’s also nice going into this weekend knowing that. I can’t really remember the last time I had that.
“It’s exciting to be able to go into next year and spend the off-season with a proper plan.”
Lawson reflects on F1’s harsh realities
Red Bull’s early-season swap impacted not only Lawson but his former team-mate Yuki Tsunoda.
When Red Bull finalised its 2026 line-ups, the Milton Keynes-based team confirmed Tsunoda would not have a seat on the 2026 F1 grid.
The Japanese driver managed to score only 30 points throughout the season, which was less than both Lawson and Hadjar in Racing Bulls.
Throughout Lawson and Tsunoda’s careers, they have continually crossed paths. From F1 to their time in Formula 3, the pair have been both team-mates and rivals.
Lawson offered a measured approach when asked if he had sympathy for the man who replaced him earlier in the season.
“It’s tricky because in the same way I would feel for anybody that’s not in Formula 1, that’s worked a long time to get there,” Lawson said.
“But at the same time, there’s a lot of guys that don’t get the opportunity ever.
“He’s had a few years in the sport and and I think it’s a very tough game, which obviously I’ve learned as well.”
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