March 2025 — The Formula 1 paddock is buzzing as reports suggest Red Bull Racing has made a decisive move regarding Liam Lawson’s future with the team. Multiple sources, including PlanetF1, GPBlog, RacingNews365, and Sky Sports F1, are reporting a dramatic shift that could see the young Kiwi driver sidelined in favor of internal restructuring—with major implications for the 2025 season.
According to RacingNews365, Red Bull has reportedly opted not to move forward with Lawson for a full-time 2025 F1 seat, despite his impressive 2023 substitute appearances. The surprise decision comes as Red Bull seeks to maintain continuity within its driver lineup across both its main and junior teams.
This follows earlier speculation that Lawson would replace either Daniel Ricciardo or Yuki Tsunoda at Visa Cash App RB (Red Bull’s sister team). But in a twist, GPBlog reports that Tsunoda is now being eyed as a potential promotion candidate—not Lawson.
“Red Bull is expected to keep its current structure, with Tsunoda taking on a more prominent role and Lawson being shifted to a reserve and show team position,” — GPBlog, March 2025
Lawson’s career trajectory had been gaining momentum. After filling in for Ricciardo during his hand injury in 2023, Lawson impressed with his composure, racecraft, and raw speed—particularly in Singapore, where he scored points in only his third Grand Prix.
However, Lawson now faces a potential gap year from competitive racing. Sky Sports F1 reports that he could be relegated to Red Bull’s F1 Show Team—a non-racing promotional role that typically serves as a placeholder rather than a true development pipeline.
This move is raising eyebrows among F1 insiders and fans alike.
“To be Max Verstappen’s teammate is a poisoned chalice. If Red Bull believes Tsunoda is more politically manageable and Ricciardo still brings commercial weight, Lawson may be the odd man out,” — Sky Sports F1 Discussion Panel
At the heart of this story is the ongoing challenge Red Bull faces in finding a teammate for Max Verstappen. Since his dominance began, multiple drivers—including Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon—have struggled to perform in his shadow. Ricciardo’s return was seen by some as a stopgap solution, but age and recent form raise questions about his long-term viability.
As PlanetF1 notes, Red Bull is clearly prioritizing stability over experimentation—and that might not bode well for Lawson.
“With Verstappen firmly entrenched as the team’s lead driver, Red Bull appears unwilling to gamble with youth—even if that youth is as promising as Lawson.” — PlanetF1, March 2025
Daniel Ricciardo’s marketability and senior presence still hold sway at Red Bull. And Tsunoda—once seen as an emotional wildcard—has matured significantly in the past two seasons.
Insiders at Sky Sports and GPFans report that Tsunoda may now be viewed as a more adaptable second driver who complements Verstappen without internal conflict. That combination—along with consistent feedback and growing sponsor value—gives him an edge.
Meanwhile, Lawson, despite his raw talent, lacks the seniority, political leverage, and long-term backing that typically keeps Red Bull drivers in the rotation.
Social media has lit up with disappointment and confusion, especially from Kiwi fans who believed Lawson deserved a permanent spot in 2025. Some speculate that he may now seek a seat with another team—though F1’s notoriously tight driver market leaves few open doors.
Others view this as Red Bull “playing it safe” in a championship-tightening season, where every point counts.
It’s not over for Liam Lawson. His performances in 2023 made a lasting impression, and F1’s unpredictable nature means a comeback opportunity could arise—whether through mid-season moves, injury replacements, or a fresh deal in 2026.
That said, for now, Lawson appears to be on the sidelines—an odd outcome for a driver many believe deserves more.
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