Liam Lawson’s Move to Racing Bulls a ‘Positive Step,’ Says Tony Quinn After Red Bull Struggles

In a surprising twist for the 2025 Formula 1 season, New Zealand driver Liam Lawson has been demoted from Red Bull to Racing Bulls after a rocky start, a move backed by his long-time supporter Tony Quinn. The billionaire motorsport enthusiast and founder of the Tony Quinn Foundation, where Lawson serves as an ambassador, believes the 23-year-old’s return to the junior team could be a blessing in disguise. Speaking to Speedcafe on April 2, 2025, Quinn argued that staying at Red Bull might have pushed Lawson to a breaking point, even hinting at mental health struggles. Here’s why this shift might just reignite Lawson’s F1 career.

Lawson’s Tough Start at Red Bull

Lawson’s 2025 season with Red Bull began with high hopes but quickly unraveled. After two opening rounds—Bahrain and Saudi Arabia—he lagged behind on the track, failing to advance past Q1 in qualifying and missing out on points. The Chinese Grand Prix proved the tipping point, prompting Red Bull to swap him with Racing Bulls’ Yuki Tsunoda, who earned a promotion to the senior squad. Lawson’s demotion to Racing Bulls, Red Bull’s sister team, marks a step back from the spotlight, but Quinn sees it as a chance for redemption.

“I genuinely think it’ll be good for him,” Quinn told Speedcafe. “If he’d gone to another event and it didn’t go well, it’d be worse—honestly, I think he was almost suicidal.” The stark comment reflects the pressure Lawson faced at Red Bull, where expectations soared after a promising pre-season.

Quinn’s Perspective: A Fresh Start

Tony Quinn, a key figure in Lawson’s rise through motorsport ranks, has been a steadfast ally. His foundation has supported the Kiwi driver’s journey from karting to F1, and Lawson’s ambassador role underscores their bond. Despite the setback, Quinn remains optimistic. “It’s been much tougher than he thought,” he admitted, noting that Lawson’s struggles caught them off guard given his strong testing and simulator results. “Everything was positive in the prep—Japan was supposed to be a good track for him. If he didn’t improve there, the talk was Tsunoda would replace him. It just happened sooner than we expected.”

Quinn’s “suicidal” remark highlights the mental toll of Red Bull’s high-stakes environment. Racing Bulls, formerly AlphaTauri, offers a less intense stage where Lawson previously shone as a substitute in 2023, scoring points in Singapore. This familiarity could be the reset he needs to rebuild confidence and form.

What Went Wrong at Red Bull?

Lawson’s Red Bull stint was a stark contrast to his pre-season hype. Touted as a future star after standout performances in F2 and as a Red Bull reserve, he couldn’t translate simulator success to the track. Qualifying woes plagued both grands prix, and he trailed teammate Max Verstappen by a wide margin. The Chinese GP sealed his fate, with Tsunoda’s consistency at Racing Bulls earning him the call-up. Red Bull’s ruthless approach—swapping drivers mid-season—isn’t new, but Lawson’s rapid exit surprised many.

Quinn speculated that Japan’s Suzuka circuit, the next race, was a make-or-break moment. “The feeling was if he didn’t step up in Japan, he’d be out,” he said. Instead, the axe fell early, sending Lawson back to a team where he’s proven he can compete.

A New Chapter at Racing Bulls

At Racing Bulls, Lawson joins a squad focused on developing talent for Red Bull. Paired with a new teammate (Tsunoda’s replacement TBD), he’ll aim to recapture the spark that earned him an F1 seat. The team’s VCARB-01 car, while less advanced than Red Bull’s RB21, suits Lawson’s aggressive style, and tracks like Imola and Monaco could play to his strengths. For Quinn, this is a chance to “get back to basics” without the crushing pressure of Red Bull’s title fight.

Conclusion: Lawson’s Road Ahead

Liam Lawson’s demotion to Racing Bulls isn’t the end—it’s a detour, says Tony Quinn. After a bruising start to 2025, the move offers the young New Zealander a lifeline to regroup and prove his worth. With Quinn’s backing and a familiar team, Lawson could turn adversity into opportunity, setting the stage for a Red Bull return or a long-term F1 career. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on whether this “positive step” reignites his F1 dream—or stalls it further. Stay tuned for the Kiwi’s comeback.