

Liam Lawson furious after Red Bull treated him unfairly.
Liam Lawson’s journey in Formula 1 has been anything but ordinary. As one of Red Bull’s most promising junior drivers, he has shown immense talent, determination, and potential. His performances in junior categories and his impressive substitute appearances in Formula 1 should have cemented his place on the grid. Yet, despite proving himself on multiple occasions, Lawson has found himself sidelined, forced to watch as other drivers receive opportunities that many believe he deserves.
Red Bull Racing and its sister team, Visa Cash App RB (formerly AlphaTauri), are known for their ruthless approach to driver management. Over the years, they have promoted young talents rapidly, but they have also discarded drivers just as quickly. While this approach has led to great success, it has also caused frustration among promising talents who feel they have been treated unfairly. For Liam Lawson, the latest decision by Red Bull may have been the final straw.
A Golden Opportunity That Came and Went
Liam Lawson’s biggest break came in the 2023 season when he was called up to replace Daniel Ricciardo at AlphaTauri after the Australian suffered a hand injury. With little preparation and under immense pressure, Lawson stepped into the role and delivered performances that exceeded expectations. He not only adapted quickly but also outperformed his more experienced teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, in several races.
His ability to handle the car, make bold overtakes, and manage the high-pressure environment of Formula 1 caught the attention of many. Paddock insiders, analysts, and fans all began to speculate that he could be in line for a full-time seat in 2024. After all, Red Bull had a history of rewarding young talents who seized their opportunities.
However, when Red Bull announced their driver lineup for the 2024 season, Lawson was nowhere to be seen. Instead, Ricciardo retained his seat at Visa Cash App RB alongside Tsunoda. Many were shocked by the decision, and Lawson himself could not hide his disappointment.
The Unfair Treatment: A Series of Controversial Decisions
Red Bull’s handling of Liam Lawson’s situation has left many questioning their motives. The team has repeatedly emphasized that they value young talent, yet when it came time to make a decision, they chose to prioritize experience over potential.
One of the biggest frustrations for Lawson and his supporters is that he did everything right. He performed under pressure, demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level, and showed that he could handle the challenges of Formula 1. Despite this, Red Bull chose to overlook him in favor of Daniel Ricciardo, a driver who, while experienced, did not show significantly stronger performances than Lawson during their time together in 2023.
There are also concerns that Red Bull’s decision was influenced by factors beyond pure performance. Ricciardo’s marketability, popularity, and strong relationship with Red Bull management may have played a role in the decision. This has led to speculation that Red Bull is prioritizing commercial interests over sporting merit, a move that has not gone unnoticed by fans and experts alike.
For Lawson, this was more than just a missed opportunity—it was a moment of deep frustration. The New Zealand driver had spent years working his way through the Red Bull junior program, proving his worth at every level. Yet, when the time came to be rewarded, he was asked to wait.
Liam Lawson’s Anger Boils Over
Though Lawson has maintained a professional attitude in public, sources close to him suggest that he was deeply frustrated by Red Bull’s decision. In interviews following the announcement, he carefully chose his words, but his disappointment was clear. He stated that while he respected the decision, he strongly believed he was ready for a full-time seat.
Some insiders believe that Lawson feels betrayed by the team that promised him a clear path to Formula 1. While Red Bull has assured him that he remains an important part of their future plans, the reality is that he has been left without a race seat while others continue to progress.
His frustration is understandable. Unlike other young drivers who struggle to make an impression, Lawson had already proven himself. He did not need another year on the sidelines—he was ready now.
What Does the Future Hold for Lawson?
Despite the setback, Liam Lawson is not giving up. He remains under contract with Red Bull as their official reserve driver, which means he is still in the conversation for future opportunities. However, his path to a full-time seat is now more complicated than ever.
With Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez locked in at Red Bull Racing for the foreseeable future, and Ricciardo and Tsunoda holding the seats at Visa Cash App RB, there is no immediate opening for Lawson. If he wants to race in Formula 1, he may have to wait until at least 2025 or hope for an unexpected turn of events.
Some believe that he should start exploring options outside the Red Bull system. Other teams have taken notice of his talent, and there is speculation that he could be on the radar of rival constructors looking for fresh talent. If Red Bull continues to keep him on the sidelines, Lawson may be forced to consider opportunities elsewhere.
The Fans React: Support for Lawson Grows
The treatment of Liam Lawson has not gone unnoticed by Formula 1 fans. Many have taken to social media to express their frustration, arguing that Red Bull’s decision was unfair and short-sighted. Some fans even question whether Red Bull is repeating past mistakes by mishandling young talent.
Support for Lawson has only grown stronger, with many hoping that he will eventually get the chance he deserves. Fans recognize his talent and determination, and they believe that it is only a matter of time before he finds his place on the grid.
Even within the F1 paddock, there are those who believe that Lawson was unfairly overlooked. Some analysts have pointed out that his performances in 2023 were good enough to warrant a seat and that Red Bull may regret their decision in the long run.
A Lesson in Resilience
Liam Lawson’s situation is a reminder of how unpredictable and challenging the world of Formula 1 can be. Talent alone is not always enough—timing, politics, and business interests all play a role in determining who gets a seat.
For Lawson, this is undoubtedly a tough moment, but it is also an opportunity to prove his resilience. Many great drivers have faced similar setbacks early in their careers, only to bounce back stronger. If he continues to work hard, stay focused, and take advantage of any opportunities that come his way, there is no doubt that his time in Formula 1 will come.
His fury over Red Bull’s treatment may be justified, but it is also fuel for his determination. Whether he stays within the Red Bull family or finds a new path, one thing is clear—Liam Lawson is not done fighting. And when his chance finally arrives, he will be ready to seize it.