Red Bull’s decision is in—Max Verstappen’s teammate for Japan is confirmed! But the real shock? Liam Lawson’s future takes an unexpected turn after the Chinese Grand Prix. Has Red Bull made the right call…

Formula 1 fans braced for a routine announcement from Red Bull Racing, but what unfolded after the Chinese Grand Prix has sent shockwaves through the paddock. While one question was answered—Who will partner Max Verstappen in Japan?—another, more pressing concern emerged: What is going on with Liam Lawson?

Despite high hopes and a growing chorus of support, Lawson’s path to a full-time seat has taken a dramatic, unexpected turn—one that could reshape the very future of Red Bull’s driver strategy. But has the team just made a massive blunder, or is this part of a much larger, secretive master plan?

Let’s dive into the facts, the fallout, and the frenzy.

Checo Gets the Call for Japan

After weeks of speculation and mounting pressure, Red Bull officially announced that Sergio “Checo” Pérez will remain as Max Verstappen’s teammate for the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix. The decision came after a mixed performance in Shanghai, where Checo managed to secure points but once again found himself in Verstappen’s shadow.

In a brief press release, Team Principal Christian Horner confirmed:

“We’re continuing with Checo in Japan. His experience at Suzuka and stability within the team are assets we value heading into one of the most technically demanding circuits on the calendar.”

But not everyone is convinced. The paddock buzz is growing louder with concerns that Red Bull is playing it too safe, prioritizing short-term consistency over long-term potential. Critics argue that Red Bull’s driver selection lacks vision and that this conservative choice could backfire if results begin to dip or intra-team tension builds.

The Lawson Curveball: Future in Jeopardy?

While fans expected news about Checo, no one saw the Liam Lawson twist coming.

Just months ago, Lawson was hailed as the next breakout star in the Red Bull pipeline. After an impressive stand-in stint for AlphaTauri (now RB) last season—including a stunning points finish in Singapore—many assumed it was only a matter of time before the Kiwi was handed a full-time seat.

Instead, Red Bull insiders have now revealed that Lawson will not be promoted this season. Even more puzzling, there are rumors that he may be in talks with rival teams about a future seat.

One source close to the situation disclosed:

“Lawson’s name has come up in meetings at multiple teams. He’s being scouted. Red Bull may have underestimated how much demand there is for him.”

This bombshell revelation has cast doubt over Red Bull’s ability to retain its most promising talent. Some in the paddock believe Lawson is already preparing for a move, with speculation linking him to potential seats at Williams, Haas, or even Audi’s incoming F1 program.

Could we be looking at another Carlos Sainz situation, where a Red Bull talent escapes the system and flourishes elsewhere? The similarities are striking. Sainz, once a junior driver in the Red Bull program, eventually left to carve out a respected career, landing top-tier drives and challenging for podiums consistently. If Lawson follows suit, Red Bull may regret letting him go.

Why Did Red Bull Sideline Lawson?

There are a few prevailing theories:

Internal Politics—With Helmut Marko and Christian Horner reportedly clashing over future direction, Lawson may have fallen victim to a power struggle. While Marko is believed to back Lawson strongly, Horner is rumored to prefer keeping experienced hands like Ricciardo and Pérez around Max.

Max-Centric Strategy—Let’s face it: Red Bull’s world revolves around Verstappen. A rising talent like Lawson could disrupt the balance, especially if he starts challenging Max’s dominance. Keeping Checo, who plays a loyal second fiddle, might simply be easier.

Short-Term Vision—Red Bull may be so focused on winning every race this year that they’re overlooking long-term driver development. It’s a risky approach that could cost them dearly.

Brand Politics—There’s also the marketing aspect. Checo brings enormous support from the Latin American market, particularly Mexico, which is vital for Red Bull’s global brand positioning. Swapping him for a lesser-known New Zealander might not align with their commercial strategy.

Whatever the reason, the message is clear: Liam Lawson isn’t part of the 2025 picture—at least not in Red Bull colors.

F1 Community Reacts: Fury, Confusion, and Hope

The reaction from the F1 world has been intense. On social media, fans have erupted with hashtags like #FreeLawson, #RedBullMistake, and #LetLiamRace trending worldwide.

Prominent F1 commentator Will Buxton tweeted:

“Liam Lawson has the talent, the composure, and the resume. If Red Bull won’t use him, someone else will—and they’ll be better for it.”

Veteran F1 journalist Joe Saward added:

“It’s baffling. Red Bull has one of the most promising young drivers sitting on the bench. If they’re not careful, they’ll lose him the same way they lost Sainz.”

Even former drivers are weighing in. Jenson Button commented in a recent interview:

“Lawson impressed everyone last year. It’s a real shame to see talent being overlooked for politics or commercial reasons.”

The Silent Shake-Up: Who Benefits from Red Bull’s Gamble?

Ironically, Visa Cash App RB, Red Bull’s sister team, seems poised to feel the greatest ripple effects. With Lawson out of the picture, current drivers Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo are now in a high-stakes battle for survival.

Ricciardo, in particular, is under scrutiny. After a rocky comeback, he’s shown glimpses of form, but nothing close to his prime. If his performances continue to waver, fans will inevitably point back to “What if it was Lawson?”

Some insiders suggest that if Ricciardo underperforms through the summer, there’s still a slim window for Lawson to be parachuted into the RB seat. However, this would be an emergency response rather than a planned promotion—a disappointing prospect for someone of Lawson’s caliber.

And let’s not forget about Audi, preparing for their F1 entry. With a long-term project and deep pockets, a rising star like Lawson could be exactly what they need to build around. Audi’s entry in 2026 is being closely watched, and they are believed to be targeting young, hungry talent to avoid inheriting a stagnant driver lineup.

A Crossroads Moment for Red Bull

In the end, this isn’t just about one Grand Prix or one driver. It’s about the soul of Red Bull’s racing strategy.

Are they still the team that takes chances on young prodigies and builds future champions, or have they become a risk-averse machine centered solely around Verstappen’s world domination?

Red Bull’s next moves will speak volumes. If they continue to sideline promising drivers, they risk losing their identity and becoming vulnerable to the very competition they once outpaced with fearless innovation.

Liam Lawson’s story is far from over. If anything, the latest developments only add intrigue to what could be a defining arc in modern F1. Whether Lawson rises with another team or finds a backdoor into Red Bull later this year, one thing is certain: this drama is just getting started.

So as Max Verstappen prepares to dominate in Japan, all eyes are on the young Kiwi quietly waiting in the wings—or perhaps preparing to soar somewhere else entirely.