Formula One has never been known for its patience, but Red Bull’s latest move might set a new standard for ruthless decision-making.
Just two races into the 2025 season, Liam Lawson is already on the chopping block, making headlines as one of the shortest-lived Red Bull drivers in recent history.
The 25-year-old New Zealander, who was given a coveted spot alongside Max Verstappen, now finds himself at the mercy of the team’s infamous revolving door.
The Harsh Reality of Red Bull’s Second Seat
Lawson’s short-lived tenure at Red Bull is a stark reminder of how brutal the team’s approach has always been.
Historically, Red Bull has never hesitated to drop drivers who don’t meet their impossibly high expectations.
The list of casualties is long—names like Daniil Kvyat, Pierre Gasly, and Alex Albon serve as proof that Red Bull’s second seat is more of a temporary assignment than a career-defining position.
His expected replacement? Yuki Tsunoda, the fiery Japanese driver who was previously deemed too emotional for the top-tier seat.
But now, in a sudden turn of events, Red Bull’s management—helmed by Christian Horner and motorsport advisor Helmut Marko—has decided to swap the two drivers, sending Lawson back down to Racing Bulls, Red Bull’s secondary team.
Is Red Bull’s Ruthlessness an Asset or a Liability?
Red Bull’s no-nonsense, performance-first strategy has undeniably brought them success.
With six Constructors’ Championships and eight Drivers’ Championships under their belt, the team has built a reputation for prioritizing results over relationships.
If a driver doesn’t meet expectations quickly, there’s no hesitation in showing them the door.
But there’s another side to this story. Some within the sport believe this relentless pressure stifles driver development.
An anonymous top driver recently shared concerns about the Red Bull environment, saying, “It’s not a place that allows drivers to grow.
The atmosphere is suffocating, and the pressure to perform from day one is immense. It’s not how other teams operate.”
Verstappen Reportedly Shaken by Lawson’s Sudden Exit
Max Verstappen, Red Bull’s golden boy and three-time world champion, is reportedly unsettled by the treatment of his latest teammate.
A source close to the Dutch driver revealed, “Max thinks this is totally unfair.
Liam worked his whole life for this shot, and now he’s being tossed aside after just two races. It’s chaotic and unfair.”
Verstappen, who had the luxury of a longer development period before stepping into his dominant role, understands the pressure of being at Red Bull.
But unlike Lawson, he was given time to adjust and prove himself.
A Disastrous Start for Lawson, But Is It Justified?
There’s no denying that Lawson’s results so far have been underwhelming.
His qualifying struggles in Australia and China, combined with an early crash and low finishes, have made a weak case for his continuation.
However, two races is an incredibly short timeframe to judge a driver’s potential, especially in a team where Verstappen’s dominance makes any comparison feel almost impossible to live up to.
One team insider described the decision to axe Lawson so quickly as a sign of “chaos” within Red Bull’s leadership.
“He hasn’t performed well, sure, but no one expected miracles in his first two races. The fact that they’re ditching him this fast is a worrying sign for how the team is being managed right now.”
The Fastest Firing in F1’s Infamous ‘Piranha Club’
If Lawson is indeed let go before the Japanese Grand Prix, as expected, it will be one of the fastest dismissals in recent F1 history.
But for Red Bull, this is just business as usual. Their approach has always been about immediate performance—adapt or be replaced.
What remains to be seen is whether this level of cutthroat decision-making will continue to bring them success or if it will eventually backfire, leaving them struggling to nurture new talent in the years to come.
Either way, for Liam Lawson, this brutal chapter in his career will serve as a painful lesson in the unforgiving world of Formula One.