Liam Lawson reflects on the emotional toll of F1's relentless schedule

Red Bull junior Liam Lawson has opened up about the mental challenge of Formula 1's packed calendar, admitting it is "very tough" not to get caught up in emotion during difficult periods. The New Zealander's 2025 season was a rollercoaster, featuring a brief, tough stint with Red Bull, a demotion to Racing Bulls, and a mix of high points and frustrating setbacks.

Why it matters:

In an era of record-breaking 24-race calendars, a driver's mental resilience is as critical as their physical fitness. Lawson's candid reflection highlights a universal but often underexplored challenge for drivers: processing disappointment and frustration without the luxury of time, all while maintaining peak performance week after week.

The details:

• Lawson's season began with a challenging two-race tenure at Red Bull before he was moved back to the sister Racing Bulls team.
• He eventually found form, securing several points finishes including a career-best P5 at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
• The season's frantic end saw mixed results, with points in two of the final four races but difficult outings in Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi.
• Lawson pointed to the Qatar weekend as a prime example of the emotional whiplash: a smooth build-up and strong grid position were undone by a small mistake in the race, leading to extreme frustration.
• He emphasized the necessity of quickly reflecting, learning, and moving on, as the schedule offers no time to dwell.

The big picture:

Lawson's experience underscores the intense psychological demands placed on modern F1 drivers. The ability to compartmentalize failure and manage emotions is a key differentiator for sustained success. With his seat at Racing Bulls confirmed for 2026, alongside rookie teammate Arvid Lindblad, mastering this mental game will be crucial for Lawson as he aims to build consistency and stake his claim for a future top-team drive.