Here’s a bold statement: Liam Lawson’s brief stint at Red Bull in 2025 wasn’t just a career setback—it was a glaring spotlight on the immense challenge of keeping up with Max Verstappen. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was it truly Lawson’s lack of understanding, or was the RB22 simply too unforgiving for a driver stepping into such a high-pressure role? Let’s dive in.
Liam Lawson’s time at Red Bull was short-lived, lasting only two races before he was demoted back to Racing Bulls. The New Zealander, brought in to replace Sergio Perez for the 2025 season, quickly found himself out of his depth. His struggles began in Australia and China, where he failed to progress beyond Q1, highlighting a stark contrast in performance compared to his teammate, Max Verstappen. And this is the part most people miss: It wasn’t just about speed—it was about understanding the car’s intricacies, something Verstappen has mastered over years.
Telemetry data from the RB22 revealed a significant gap between Lawson and Verstappen. In China, Lawson was six-tenths slower than Verstappen after just the first two corners—a deficit that raised eyebrows across the paddock. F1 driver coach Martin Villari analyzed the data on the lowerlaptime YouTube channel, pointing out Lawson’s early braking and throttle adjustments as key areas where he lost time. Villari suggested that Lawson’s struggles stemmed from a ‘lack of understanding’ of the car’s aero balance, steering precision, and overall capabilities.
Here’s the controversial question: Could Red Bull have done more to support Lawson during his transition? While Lawson praised Verstappen for his support, the reality is that no amount of advice could bridge the gap in such a short time. The RB22’s sensitive nature proved too much for the 24-year-old, leaving him at the back of the grid and ultimately costing him his seat.
As Red Bull prepares for Isack Hadjar’s debut, the team must reflect on Lawson’s experience. How can they better integrate new drivers into their high-performance environment? Is it fair to expect anyone to match Verstappen’s pace immediately? These questions linger as the team moves forward.
Lawson’s situation isn’t unique. Over the years, Verstappen’s teammates have consistently struggled to match his pace, raising questions about the car’s adaptability and the team’s driver development strategy. Here’s another thought-provoking point: Could the RB22 be designed in a way that only Verstappen can truly unlock its potential? If so, what does that mean for future drivers stepping into the second seat?
As for Lawson, his F1 career hangs in the balance. Will this experience define him, or will he find a way to bounce back? Only time will tell. What do you think? Is Lawson’s struggle a reflection of his abilities, or is the RB22 simply too much for anyone but Verstappen? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate!
