Red Bull Considers Driver Swap for Japanese Grand Prix Amid Lawson’s Struggles……… read more
Red Bull Racing is reportedly contemplating a potential driver swap for the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix following disappointing performances from Liam Lawson in the early part of the 2025 Formula 1 season. The 23-year-old New Zealand driver, who was promoted to the main Red Bull team alongside Max Verstappen for this year, has struggled to match the pace of his teammate, Verstappen, who has established himself as one of the most dominant drivers in recent F1 history.
Lawson’s promotion to the senior Red Bull seat came after the team made the decision to drop Sergio Perez, despite the Mexican driver’s long-standing position within the squad. Lawson’s move was seen as a chance to give him an opportunity to race at the highest level, but it has yet to yield significant results.
Thus far, Lawson has faced significant challenges in the opening two races of the season. At the Australian Grand Prix, he was forced to retire early, and his qualifying performances have been subpar, with multiple exits in the opening qualifying session (Q1). These disappointing results have placed Lawson under increasing scrutiny as he struggles to get to grips with the car.
The pressure of being Verstappen’s teammate is undoubtedly high, as Verstappen has set an extremely high benchmark for success, further highlighting the gap between them on track. Many in the paddock have noted that the seat alongside Verstappen is one of the most demanding in Formula 1, and the early signs suggest that Lawson is finding it difficult to adjust to the pressures and expectations of the role.
As Red Bull looks to maintain its position as the dominant team in the sport, the possibility of a driver swap has come into consideration. While no official announcement has been made, team principal Christian Horner and motorsport advisor Helmut Marko are reportedly assessing their options. The team’s focus is on securing strong results, and Lawson’s early performances are not yet delivering on the expectations placed upon him.
With the Japanese Grand Prix on the horizon, Red Bull may opt to make a change in order to bolster their chances of further success in the season. If a driver swap occurs, it would mark a major turning point in Lawson’s brief time with the main Red Bull team. For now, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds and whether Lawson can turn his fortunes around in the co
ming races.
