Liam Lawson Eyes New Horizons as Red Bull Future Uncertain

New Zealand driver Liam Lawson has signaled that his future in Formula 1 may not lie with Red Bull Racing. The 23-year-old, who has faced challenges since entering the F1 scene, is contemplating other options to pursue his ambition of becoming a world champion.

Lawson stepped in for the injured Daniel Ricciardo during five races in 2023 with AlphaTauri before taking over for Ricciardo in the final six races of the season. In 2025, he began the year in the Red Bull seat alongside reigning world champion Max Verstappen. However, after just two races, he was replaced by Yuki Tsunoda and reassigned to the Racing Bulls team. Currently, Lawson ranks 15th in the Drivers’ Championship with a total of 20 points.

When questioned about a potential return to Red Bull, Lawson expressed uncertainty. “I think it’s tough,” he told Sky F1. “As much as I wanted to be a Red Bull Racing driver—that’s what I worked towards from becoming a Red Bull junior—the dream I’ve had since I was five years old has been to become a world champion, winning in Formula 1 and reaching the top of the sport.”

He elaborated on the complexity of his situation, stating, “I think where I do that is not so clear as much as I thought it was.” Lawson acknowledged that with hindsight, he would approach his career differently, recognizing that every experience offers lessons.

Having joined the Red Bull Junior Team in 2019, Lawson reflected on his brief time in the top car compared to Tsunoda’s current performance. Tsunoda sits 19th in the standings with 12 points, having secured only two points in his last eight races.

“It’s really tough,” Lawson said. “I definitely feel sympathy for a driver that’s struggling in that position, because it’s a very, very tough sport, and it’s never nice to see somebody struggling in an environment.” He noted that his own experience was limited, stating, “I didn’t even get to a track that I’d driven before.”

As Lawson weighs his options, the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza serves as a critical moment in the season for all drivers. With the championship race heating up, Lawson’s next moves could significantly impact his career trajectory.

In a sport where performance and adaptability are paramount, Lawson’s journey highlights the complexities and pressures faced by emerging talents in Formula 1.