Red Bull confirmed Liam Lawson had been demoted on Thursday (Picture: Getty)
Liam Lawson has thanked fans for the ‘support’ he has received after Red Bull made the ruthless decision to cut short his Formula One ‘dream’ just two races into the new season.
Red Bull confirmed on Thursday that Lawson had been replaced by Yuki Tsunoda with immediate effect after a challenging few weeks for the 23-year-old New Zealander, in which he had failed to score a single point.
Lawson had raced in just 11 grand prix prior to his promotion at the start of the 2025 campaign, with the Kiwi selected over Tsunoda to partner reigning world champion Max Verstappen.
But the stunning move means Tsunoda, 24, will race in front of a home crowd when the season resumes for the Japanese Grand Prix, taking place between April 4 and 6
Lawson qualified in 18th place for this year’s opener at the Australian Grand Prix, before crashing out in Melbourne.
He then qualified last in qualifying for both the sprint and the grand prix in China, finishing 14th and 12th respectively.
Red Bull’s second team, Racing Bulls, will welcome Lawson back to take up the spot vacated by Tsunoda alongside French youngster Isack Hadjar.
Verstappen has reportedly been left ‘shaken’ by the move (Picture: Getty)
Horner has wished Lawson all the best with Racing Bulls (Picture: Getty)
Explaining the decision, Red Bull team principle Christian Horner said: ‘It has been difficult to see Liam struggle with the RB21 at the first two races and, as a result, we have collectively taken the decision to make an early switch.
‘We came into the 2025 season with two ambitions, to retain the World Drivers’ Championship and to reclaim the World Constructors’ title and this is a purely sporting decision.
‘We acknowledge there is a lot of work to be done with the RB21 and Yuki’s experience will prove highly beneficial in helping to develop the current car.
‘We welcome him to the team and are looking forward to seeing him behind the wheel of the RB21.’
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Verstappen hinted at his true feelings by ‘liking’ a social media post comparing the move to drop Lawson to an act of ‘bullying’.
The Instagram post from ex-F1 driver Giedo van der Garde read: ‘I’m getting a bit tired of all the comments that Formula One is the toughest sport in terms of performances and when you under-deliver you’ve gotta face the consequences.
‘Yes, you gotta perform. Yes, the pressure is insane. But in my opinion, this comes closer to bullying or a panic move than actual high athlete achievements. They made a decision – fully aware – gave Liam two races only to crush his spirit.’
Verstappen – who has reportedly been left ‘shaken’ by Lawson’s demotion – has since removed his ‘like’ from the post and is yet to make any official comment over the call.
Lawson’s partner showed her support on social media (Picture: Instagram/@hannahstjohn)
Lawson took to Instagram to break his silence on Thursday night, writing: ‘Being a Red Bull driver has been my dream since I was a kid, it’s what I’ve worked towards my whole life.
‘It’s tough, but I’m grateful for everything that’s brought me to this point. To every one of you who’s stood by me, thank you for all the support it means the world
‘Thank you Visa Cash App Racing Bulls F1 Team for the warm welcome, I’m excited and ready to go to work at one of my favourite places.’
Just hours earlier, Lawson’s girlfriend, Hannah St. John, showed her support for the driver by sharing a picture of them both holding hands, accompanied by a heart emoji.
Lando Norris of McLaren leads the world championship after two races, with Red Bull’s Verstappen and Mercedes’ George Russell sitting second and third respectively ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.
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