Jeddah, Saudi Arabia—April 19, 2025 — Liam Lawson may have endured a turbulent start to the 2025 Formula One season, but according to Racing Bulls team boss Peter Bayer, the young New Zealander is now regaining his form and confidence following his recent demotion from Red Bull Racing.
Lawson, 23, was briefly promoted to the Red Bull senior team earlier this year after the departure of Sergio Perez. However, after just two races, he was swapped out in favor of Yuki Tsunoda and returned to the Red Bull sister team, Racing Bulls—a move that surprised many in the F1 world and appeared to deal a heavy emotional blow to the rising star.
“He looked a bit sad.”
Speaking ahead of the Saudi Grand Prix, Bayer, Racing Bulls’ chief executive officer, gave insight into Lawson’s mindset after the sudden shift.
“I think it took a moment for him to digest,” Bayer said. “The first time I saw him when he came to Italy, he looked a bit sad. Honestly, that’s how I perceived him. He was a bit puzzled with everything that happened very quickly.”
Despite the setback, Bayer emphasized that Lawson’s familiarity with the team’s setup and environment helped him quickly get back on track — both mentally and on the circuit.
“At the same time, he knew the people, the tools, and the set-up,” Bayer explained. “And I really felt that very quickly he was returning to being the old Liam. He’s a great racer, somebody that has great humor, and that’s what we see now again.”
A Pointless Start, But Not Without Promise
Lawson has yet to score a point in his four starts so far this season, while his French rookie teammate, Isack Hadjar, has already made it onto the board. However, Bayer remains confident in Lawson’s capabilities and believes the results will come as he finds his rhythm.
The New Zealander has been widely regarded as one of the most promising young drivers on the grid, earning praise for his stand-in performances during the 2023 season. His brief stint with Red Bull this year, though short-lived, was seen as a sign of the team’s trust in his potential — even if the timing didn’t play in his favor.
What’s Next for Lawson?
Lawson’s challenge now is clear: to prove his worth with Racing Bulls, stay mentally resilient, and position himself as a key contender for a future seat — whether within Red Bull or elsewhere on the grid.
In a sport where fortunes can shift rapidly, the key is consistency and mindset. For now, Lawson seems to be regaining both.
“He’s back to being the old Liam,” Bayer said. “That’s the racer we know — determined, focused, and ready to push.”
With a long season still ahead and seats always under scrutiny in Formula One, Liam Lawson’s story is far from over.
