Here’s a bold statement: Liam Lawson’s brief stint at Red Bull in 2025 wasn’t just a career setback—it was a glaring spotlight on the immense challenge of keeping up with Max Verstappen. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was it Lawson’s lack of understanding of the car, or was the RB22 simply too unforgiving for a driver stepping into such big shoes? Let’s dive in.
Liam Lawson’s time at Red Bull was short-lived, lasting only two races before he was demoted back to Racing Bulls. The New Zealander, brought in to replace Sergio Perez for the 2025 season, quickly found himself out of his depth. Knocked out in Q1 in both Australia and China, Lawson’s struggles were evident from the start. And this is the part most people miss: It wasn’t just about speed—it was about understanding the car’s intricacies, something Verstappen has mastered over years.
Telemetry data from the RB22 revealed a stark contrast between Lawson and Verstappen. In China, Lawson was six-tenths slower than his teammate after just the first two corners. F1 driver coach Martin Villari analyzed the data on the lowerlaptime YouTube channel, pointing out Lawson’s early braking and throttle adjustments. Villari noted, ‘It’s very strange to have that level of time loss through turn one… probably a lack of understanding about aero balance, steering wheel, tight lines, and what the car is capable of.’ This raises a thought-provoking question: Is the RB22 too sensitive for anyone but Verstappen to truly harness its potential?
Lawson himself admitted to being half a second behind Verstappen, a gap he attributed to his struggle with the car’s aero balance. Despite receiving support from Verstappen, the 24-year-old couldn’t bridge the gap. His demotion after just two races leaves us wondering: Could Red Bull have done more to support him, or was this outcome inevitable?
As Isack Hadjar prepares for his debut, Red Bull must reflect on Lawson’s experience. Here’s a counterpoint to consider: Perhaps the issue isn’t just the driver’s skill but the team’s ability to adapt the car to different driving styles. After all, every Verstappen teammate in recent years has faced similar challenges. Is it time for Red Bull to rethink their approach, or is Verstappen simply in a league of his own?
What do you think? Is Lawson’s struggle a reflection of his abilities, or is the RB22 too much for anyone but Verstappen? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over.
