Lawson reacts to 'tough' Red Bull exit with gratitude and grit

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Liam Lawson took to social media in the wake of his demotion from Red Bull Racing to Racings Bulls, expressing both his heartbreak and gratitude.

The Kiwi’s journey with Red Bull Racing came to an abrupt end after just two races in the 2025 season.

The 23-year-old had stepped up from Racing Bulls to replace Sergio Perez as Max Verstappen’s teammate, but his performances in Australia and China – a Q1 exit followed by a race-ending crash in the opener, and last-place qualifications for both the Sprint and Grand Prix in the second round – fell short of Red Bull’s high expectations.

The energy drink company’s top brass opted to take swift action amid its driver’s struggles and, from next week’s race at Suzuka, Lawson’s spot will be taken by Yuki Tsunoda.

Several hours after the announcement, Lawson broke his silence on social media.

“Being a [Red Bull Racing] driver has been my dream since I was a kid, it’s what I’ve worked towards my whole life,” he wrote, sharing photos from his school days that underscored the depth of that ambition.

The words carried the weight of a dream deferred, a stark acknowledgment of what he’d lost.

A Return to Racing Bulls

Despite the setback, Lawson’s message didn’t dwell solely on disappointment.

“It’s tough, but I’m grateful for everything that’s brought me to this point,” he continued, reflecting on the journey that had taken him from New Zealand to the brink of Formula 1 glory.

He also took a moment to address his supporters: “To every one of you who’s stood by me, thank you for all the support, it means the world.”

Now, Lawson returns to Racing Bulls to partner with rookie Isack Hadjar. Looking ahead to Suzuka, he struck a note of optimism.

“Thank you [Racing Bulls] for the warm welcome, I’m excited and ready to go to work at one of my favourite places [in Japan].”

The circuit, a highlight of the F1 calendar, will indeed offer Lawson a chance to regroup and prove his worth, carrying forward the resilience evident in his words.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.