Liam Lawson’s abrupt departure from Red Bull has ignited a firestorm of criticism in his home country of New Zealand, with local media taking aim at the Formula 1 powerhouse. On Thursday, Red Bull announced that Yuki Tsunoda would take the wheel for the team at the Japanese Grand Prix, while Lawson, a 23-year-old Kiwi driver, would return to Racing Bulls. The decision, which ends Lawson’s brief two-race stint with Red Bull, has been met with disappointment and derision in New Zealand, where one major publication turned the team’s iconic slogan into a biting jab.

A Short and Painful Stint
Lawson’s time with Red Bull was nothing short of a rollercoaster. After stepping into the spotlight, he competed in just two races—Australia and China—before being sidelined. Both events were marred by misfortune, with Lawson finishing dead last and failing to come close to scoring points. The young driver’s struggles were evident, and Red Bull wasted no time in reshuffling their lineup, opting to bring Tsunoda into the fold while relegating Lawson back to Racing Bulls.

For a driver who had been touted as a rising star, the move marks a significant setback. Lawson’s brief tenure with Red Bull was meant to be a proving ground, but instead, it became a harsh lesson in the cutthroat world of F1 racing. Now, the decision has left a bitter taste in New Zealand, where fans and media alike had pinned high hopes on their homegrown talent.

New Zealand Media Strikes Back
The reaction in New Zealand was swift and scathing. The New Zealand Herald, one of the country’s leading newspapers, didn’t hold back in its critique of Red Bull’s call. In a bold move, the publication released a satirical cartoon that took direct aim at the energy drink giant. Red Bull’s famous tagline, “Red Bull gives you wings,” was twisted into a savage mockery: “Red Bull cuts your wings.” Accompanying the reworked slogan was an illustration of Lawson walking away from a pair of broken wings, a clear metaphor for his dashed dreams.

The cartoon encapsulates the frustration felt across New Zealand, where Lawson’s exit is seen as a betrayal of potential. For a nation that takes pride in its sporting exports, seeing one of their own unceremoniously dropped has struck a nerve. The Herald’s jab underscores a broader sentiment: Red Bull’s decision is not just a personnel change—it’s a personal affront to Kiwi pride.

Why the Backlash Matters
Lawson’s departure from Red Bull isn’t just a local story; it’s a moment that highlights the high stakes and relentless pressure of Formula 1. At 23, Lawson is still young in a sport where drivers often peak later, but his inability to deliver results in his short window left little room for sentimentality. Red Bull, known for its ruthless approach to talent management, has a history of making bold calls—sometimes at the expense of fan favorites.

In New Zealand, however, the move feels like more than just business. Lawson carried the hopes of a country eager to see one of its own shine on the global stage. His struggles in Australia and China were tough to watch, but many believed he deserved more time to prove himself. Instead, Red Bull’s swift decision has fueled accusations of impatience and disloyalty, sentiments that the New Zealand Herald cartoon amplifies with biting humor.

What’s Next for Lawson?
While Lawson’s Red Bull chapter has closed for now, his return to Racing Bulls offers a chance to regroup. The sister team may not carry the same prestige, but it’s a platform where he can rebuild his confidence and hone his skills. For a driver of his age, the road ahead is still long, and a strong performance could open doors back to the top tier of F1.

Meanwhile, the fallout in New Zealand serves as a reminder of the emotional investment fans place in their athletes. The Herald’s cartoon may be a one-off jab, but it’s a symbol of a deeper discontent that could linger as Lawson’s career unfolds. Social media hashtags like #JusticeForLawson and #RedBullBacklash are already gaining traction, hinting at a story that’s far from over.

Red Bull Under Scrutiny
For Red Bull, the decision to swap Lawson for Tsunoda is a calculated gamble. Tsunoda’s experience and consistency may pay off on the track, but the PR hit in New Zealand could cast a shadow over the team’s image. As the Japanese Grand Prix looms, all eyes will be on Tsunoda—and on Lawson, whose next move could either silence the critics or fuel the fire. For now, one thing is clear: in New Zealand, Red Bull’s wings have taken a serious hit.