Was Red Bull’s Decision to Sack Liam Lawson a Blunder or a Bold Move?
In a shocking turn of events, Red Bull Racing has reportedly sacked Liam Lawson after just two Grand Prix races in the 2025 Formula 1 season, replacing him with Yuki Tsunoda for the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix in early April. The decision, spearheaded by team principal Christian Horner and advisor Helmut Marko, has sparked intense debate within the F1 community. Was this a justified move to protect Red Bull’s championship ambitions, or a reckless misstep that could haunt the team? Let’s dive into the drama and dissect the reasoning behind this controversial call.

Lawson’s Rocky Start at Red Bull
Liam Lawson, a 22-year-old New Zealander, was promoted to Red Bull Racing over the winter to replace Sergio Perez, who departed after a lackluster 2024 season. Lawson had previously impressed in a brief stint with RB (Red Bull’s sister team), outshining Tsunoda in the final six races of 2024. Horner praised Lawson’s “development potential,” “exemplary attitude,” and ability to handle pressure alongside four-time world champion Max Verstappen. Yet, after just two races in 2025—marked by a crash in Australia and three Q1 eliminations, including a dismal sprint weekend in China—Lawson’s dream start turned into a nightmare.

The RB21 car hasn’t helped. Verstappen himself labeled it “slow,” a stark contrast to the dominant machines of previous years like the RB19 and RB20. Even with his generational talent, Verstappen has struggled to extract competitive lap times, hinting at deeper issues with the car’s performance. For Lawson, the challenge was even steeper. Finishing as the slowest driver in both the Chinese sprint and Grand Prix exposed his struggles, eroding the confidence Horner once lauded.

The Case for Red Bull’s Decision
Red Bull’s ruthless approach to driver management is no secret. The team operates under a win-or-bust philosophy, and with McLaren and Mercedes closing the gap in 2025, every point matters. Lawson’s failure to score points in two races—coupled with a 285-point gap between Verstappen and Perez in 2024 that cost Red Bull the constructors’ title—may have convinced Horner and Marko that swift action was necessary. Promoting Tsunoda, a seasoned driver with a strong track record at Suzuka, could stabilize the team’s lineup and maximize their championship chances.

Critics like Fergal Walsh argue that Lawson’s “disastrous” start left Red Bull with no choice. His lack of standout moments and inability to adapt quickly to the RB21 justified the switch. If Lawson continued to flounder, the team risked falling further behind rivals—a luxury they can’t afford in a tightly contested season.

The Case Against: A Hasty Overreaction?
On the flip side, many see this as a premature and irresponsible move. Lawson’s demotion to RB after just two races echoes Red Bull’s past treatment of talents like Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon, who were also discarded swiftly under pressure. Nick Golding calls it “utterly nonsensical” to drop Lawson before the Japanese Grand Prix—a track he knows well from his 2023 Super Formula stint. Giving him at least one more race, or even three (including Bahrain, another familiar circuit), could have provided a fairer assessment of his potential.

Ian Parkes goes further, labeling Lawson a “scapegoat” for Red Bull’s own shortcomings. The RB21’s lack of pace, not Lawson’s skill, may be the real culprit. Verstappen’s comments about RB being a better fit for Lawson due to a superior car only fuel this narrative. Sacking a young driver after such a small sample size—especially one groomed by Red Bull since his teens—sends a chilling message to their junior program: loyalty means little if results don’t come instantly.

What’s Next for Lawson and Red Bull?
Lawson’s return to RB could spell the end of his F1 aspirations if he fails to rebound, especially with rising stars like Arvid Lindblad waiting in the wings. Meanwhile, Tsunoda has a golden opportunity to prove his worth at his home Grand Prix. But if he falters, Red Bull’s decision will face even harsher scrutiny.

Final Verdict
Was Red Bull right to sack Liam Lawson? It’s too early to tell. The move aligns with their cutthroat ethos but risks squandering a promising talent at a fragile stage. A larger sample size—perhaps five races—would have offered a clearer picture. For now, the F1 world watches with bated breath as this drama unfolds. One thing’s certain: Red Bull’s driver carousel is spinning faster than ever.