Liam Lawson’s 2025 Formula 1 season has been a rollercoaster of opportunities and challenges. After a brief promotion to Red Bull Racing, the New Zealander’s return to Racing Bulls has been marked by struggles to secure points, contrasting sharply with his rookie teammate Isack Hadjar’s early success.
A Promising Start Turned Challenging
Lawson began the season with Red Bull Racing, replacing Sergio Pérez. However, his tenure was short-lived. In Australia, he crashed out, and in China, he qualified last and finished 12th. These performances led to his replacement by Yuki Tsunoda after just two races. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko admitted the team “made a mistake” in promoting Lawson prematurely, noting that he “lost confidence and [couldn’t] show his real potential”.
Return to Racing Bulls: Seeking Redemption
Back at Racing Bulls, Lawson aimed to rebuild his form. Despite his efforts, he has yet to score points in the 2025 season. His finishes include 17th in Japan, 16th in Bahrain, and 12th in Saudi Arabia. In contrast, teammate Isack Hadjar secured his first F1 points with a 10th-place finish in Saudi Arabia.
Team Dynamics and Support
Despite the challenges, Racing Bulls team boss Peter Bayer remains optimistic about Lawson’s trajectory. He observed that Lawson has “bounced back” and is showing signs of returning to his former confident self. Hadjar also acknowledged Lawson’s efforts, stating that he’s “definitely pushing me”.
Comparing Performances
Unlike other rookies on the grid, Lawson had already participated in multiple Formula 1 races during the second half of the 2024 season replacing Daniel Ricciardo at RB (now Racing Bulls). During that stint, he impressed with calm under pressure, scoring four points with a standout 9th-place finish at the Singapore Grand Prix and consistently outperforming teammate Yuki Tsunoda in qualifying. However, in 2025, he remains point-less after five races. Hadjar, a rookie, has already scored points, highlighting the contrast in their performances.
Looking Ahead
Lawson’s journey underscores the challenges of Formula 1, where opportunities are fleeting, and performance is paramount. As the season progresses, Lawson will need to capitalize on upcoming races to demonstrate his capabilities and secure his position in the sport.
