Being moved from Red Bull to Racing Bulls a mere two races into the 2025 Formula 1 season hasn’t shaken Liam Lawson’s confidence, the driver insists.
After a bumpy start, Red Bull Racing has decided to bring Yuki Tsunoda into the main team starting with the Japan Grand Prix. Meanwhile, the New Zealand driver will head back to Racing Bulls. Tsunoda had previously prepared for such a scenario; he is already familiar with the setup at Red Bull, having completed the seat fit as their reserve driver.
Living near Racing Bull’s hub in Faenza, Italy, Tsunoda recently participated in a Honda event in Aoyama. During the event, he expressed his readiness to handle the pressure of being Max Verstappen’s teammate and mastering the often challenging Red Bull car.
Reflecting on Red Bull’s choice, Lawson shared how this news was delivered in a phone call shortly after he left the Shanghai race.
“It was pretty much a given,” he recounted. “I was gearing up for Japan when I received the call about the change. That’s just how Formula One is—things can flip in an instant. Consider a year ago: I didn’t even have a seat. I was just a spectator, longing for the chance to race. Then I got my shot late last year, which led to my stint with VCARB. It’s been a whirlwind 12 months. The key for me is staying in the car.”
Lawson remains focused, saying, “I have the chance to show I belong here, and that’s my goal every time I’m behind the wheel. This weekend won’t be any different. While my future is uncertain, the only thing I can control is my speed.”
He elaborated, “It’s part of the journey. It’s actually good, in a sense, but initially, I was intent on proving myself within the team. Whatever unfolds is somewhat out of my hands. My job is to drive well and to prove myself that way.”
When asked about the differences between the Red Bull and Racing Bulls cars, Lawson mentioned that they tried an aggressive setup in Shanghai after the sprint race, though it didn’t pan out as expected.
“In China, we went for a unique setup to learn and steer the car’s direction. Unfortunately, it didn’t work in our favor, especially with the front tyres degrading quickly,” he remarked. “The car felt great otherwise, but the tyres gave us trouble. It’s a fresh start for Yuki now, and on a familiar track, plus whatever improvements they worked on during the short break.”
Questioned about whether it was the right call for Red Bull to change their drivers so early in the season, Lawson had hoped for more chances to show his potential.
“Formula 1 is tough. With these cutting-edge cars, issues are par for the course,” he noted. “I was hoping those factors would be considered more. Racing on familiar tracks like Melbourne and China was crucial to me, even though those weekends weren’t smooth. But that’s motorsport. Decisions aren’t mine to make; I just embrace what’s next.”
Lawson’s confidence remains, stating, “This situation doesn’t shift my confidence much. We all have to believe in ourselves to make it to Formula One. If that belief wavers, the journey gets harder. Joining at 16, my aim was always to rise in Red Bull Racing. I’d hoped to make it work, but in the end, it’s up to Christian and the team to determine what’s best,” Lawson finished.
