Lawson reflects on 'very sh*t time' of Red Bull demotion and looks ahead to 2026

Liam Lawson has described his mid-season demotion from Red Bull back to Racing Bulls as a "very sh*t time," capping a challenging 2025 season he plans to reflect on over the winter. The New Zealander, who will remain with the Faenza-based team in 2026, finished the year with 38 points, 13 fewer than teammate Yuki Tsunoda despite contesting two more races.

Why it matters:

Lawson's candid reflection highlights the intense psychological and professional pressures faced by drivers in Red Bull's famously demanding junior program. His experience—a brief promotion followed by a swift return to the sister team—underscores the precarious nature of career progression within the organization, even for highly rated talents. How he processes this setback could define his trajectory in Formula 1.

The details:

• Speaking after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Lawson admitted the season had been "tough" and that he needed the break to properly process the events.
• On the demotion after just two races with the senior team, he stated: "It feels like so long ago to be honest... It was a very sh*t time honestly. It’s something I’ll reflect on I’m sure but I just haven’t done it yet."
• His primary objective for the year was simply to "survive" and secure another opportunity for 2026, a goal he has now achieved.
• Lawson, along with other Red Bull juniors like Isack Hadjar and Yuki Tsunoda, only learned his fate for the upcoming season in the final stages of 2025.

What's next:

Lawson will line up alongside fellow Red Bull junior Arvid Lindblad at Racing Bulls in 2026, giving him a stable platform to rebuild. The winter break provides a crucial reset to channel the learnings from a turbulent year into a stronger performance next season. For Lawson, the challenge shifts from securing a seat to proving he can consistently lead the midfield team and put himself back in contention for a future top drive.