Christian Horner, the boss of Red Bull Racing, has recently shed light on the team’s decision to replace Liam Lawson after just two races. Highlighting the team’s responsibility, he emphasized the need to protect and nurture the New Zealander’s talent amid a challenging start to the season. Following a tough debut and subsequent struggles, the team recognized the urgency of facilitating Lawson’s development, opting to realign their driver lineup for a brighter future.
Christian Hornor, the principal at Red Bull Racing, has recently provided an in-depth look into the reasoning behind the decision to substitute Liam Lawson after just two races this season. According to Horner, the squad has a duty of care to protect and nurture the young driver. Lawson took over Daniel Ricciardo’s seat in 2024 and secured his promotion to the main team for the current season after Sergio Perez‘s departure. The decision to replace Lawson comes after a challenging start to the season, where he faced difficulties with the RB21, leading to a disappointing debut and further struggles in the following race.
A swift decision influenced by performance
The performance of Lawson during the opening races raised questions within the team, prompting Red Bull to take decisive action. Horner emphasized that the team entered the 2025 season with specific goals, including retaining the World Drivers’ Championship and regaining the World Constructors’ title. With Lawson finishing lowly in both races, it became clear that new strategies were necessary. In his place, Yuki Tsunoda has been confirmed as Max Verstappen’s new teammate, bringing invaluable experience to the team, crucial for the ongoing development of the RB21. This swift move illustrates the team’s commitment to balancing immediate competitive needs with the long-term growth of promising drivers.
Support for Lawson and future prospects
Despite the setback, both Horner and Laurent Mekies, the Team Principal at Racing Bulls, expressed a commitment to helping Lawson succeed. Mekies highlighted that everyone at Visa Cash App Racing Bulls is eager to create a supportive environment for Lawson, who will be partnering with rookie Isack Hadjar. This arrangement aims to provide Lawson with a familiar setting that can bolster his confidence during a pivotal time in his career. For both teams, cultivating young talent while aiming for success is a priority that justifies the recent decisions made.
In a recent revelation, Red Bull’s Team Principal, Christian Horner, provided an in-depth explanation regarding the team’s decision to replace Liam Lawson after just two races in the 2025 season. Horner emphasized that the team’s primary responsibility is to ensure the well-being and growth of their drivers, particularly those at the beginning of their Formula 1 careers. He stated, “We have a duty of care to protect and develop Liam,” highlighting the need for a supportive environment for young talent.
Lawson’s promotion to the main Red Bull team came under challenging circumstances, following a rocky start marked by a crash on his debut at the Australian Grand Prix and a disappointing finish in China. According to Horner, such struggles were difficult to observe, prompting the leadership to act swiftly to provide Lawson with the right conditions to develop further. By sending him back to the Racing Bulls, the team he is familiar with, Lawson will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience and regain his confidence.
With the team’s ambition to reclaim both the World Constructors’ Championship and the World Drivers’ Championship, Horner made it clear that the decision was driven solely by sporting reasons. He expressed confidence that Yuki Tsunoda‘s experience would significantly contribute to the current car’s development, thus enhancing the team’s competitiveness. The swift change underscores a strategic approach by Red Bull, ensuring that both Lawson and Tsunoda find themselves in environments where they can maximize their potential.
The essence of Horner’s remarks reflects a commitment to fostering young talent while also being pragmatic about what is needed for the team’s success in the high-stakes world of Formula 1. Thus, while the decision may seem abrupt, it is rooted in a deeper understanding of the sport and the potential of each driver involved.