Red Bull Racing is reportedly considering dropping Liam Lawson after just two races in the 2025 Formula 1 season, raising questions about the team’s management and decision-making.
Lawson, who replaced Sergio Perez at the end of 2024, has struggled to adapt to Red Bull’s challenging car. He crashed out in Melbourne and finished last in qualifying and the race in China, failing to match teammate Max Verstappen’s pace.
While Lawson’s poor performances are a concern, Red Bull’s problems extend beyond its newest driver. Verstappen himself has admitted the car is difficult to handle, suffering from mid-corner understeer and instability. The Dutchman, despite his skill, has struggled against McLaren and Mercedes.
Red Bull’s quick decision to reconsider Lawson raises eyebrows. If they believed he was the right choice in December, why is he the wrong choice now? Rumors suggest Yuki Tsunoda or rookie Isack Hadjar could replace him, but it’s unclear if either would fare any better in the current car.
If Red Bull proceeds with Lawson’s removal, it will only add to growing criticism that the team mismanages its second driver role, cycling through talent without stability.
Ferrari’s Disqualification Explained
Elsewhere in China, Ferrari’s weekend ended in disaster after both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were disqualified from the Grand Prix.
Leclerc’s car was found to be 1kg underweight, a result of excessive tire wear due to a one-stop strategy. Hamilton, who had won the sprint race, was disqualified for excessive skid block wear, a consequence of running his car too low to maximize performance.
Both incidents highlight how fine the margins are in Formula 1, where teams push the limits of regulations to gain an edge. However, Ferrari’s costly errors resulted in a wasted weekend, handing McLaren an early advantage in the championship.
Racing Bulls Impress Despite Challenges
Meanwhile, Red Bull’s sister team, Racing Bulls, has shown strong pace. Yuki Tsunoda and Isack Hadjar have delivered solid qualifying performances, even as their race results have fallen short. Verstappen even suggested that Racing Bulls’ car might be more competitive than the struggling Red Bull.
With two races completed, McLaren leads the field, Ferrari has work to do, and Red Bull faces a critical decision about Lawson’s future. The Japanese Grand Prix could bring even more drama.
