Liam Lawson’s Return to Red Bull: The Paddock’s Most Shocking Story

The Formula 1 paddock has been abuzz with rumors that could reshape the season. Liam Lawson, a driver who was swiftly dropped by Red Bull in the past, could be making a stunning return to the team. The prospect of him rejoining Max Verstappen at Red Bull is rapidly gaining momentum, and should it come to fruition, it would mark the second time in Lawson’s career that fate brings him into the orbit of the world champion. The stakes now are significantly higher than ever before, and the F1 world is watching closely.

This narrative started gathering speed over recent weeks, especially after Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko, stirred the pot with his fiery comments. Marko didn’t just critique Yuki Tsunoda’s performances; he virtually placed a target on the Japanese driver’s back. In the wake of his comments, questions started swirling within the paddock: Could Tsunoda survive the 2025 season with Red Bull? And more importantly, is Lawson poised to reclaim the seat that was once his?

The Tsunoda Dilemma

The facts are undeniable. Yuki Tsunoda has underperformed in his Red Bull career. His tally of just seven points, compared to Lawson’s 20 in a mere two-race stint with the team, has raised eyebrows. This stark contrast in performance has led some insiders to question whether Tsunoda’s struggles are down to his own inability to extract the full potential of the car or if it’s the RB21 itself that is the primary issue. Red Bull has long prided itself on its ability to build championship-winning cars, but even Verstappen, the golden boy of the team, has felt the limitations of the RB21 at times.

Tsunoda’s time in Formula 1 has not been without highlights. During his time at AlphaTauri, he was able to outshine both Pierre Gasly and Daniel Ricciardo, showcasing glimpses of his potential. However, in the Red Bull fold, those flashes of brilliance are becoming increasingly rare. Past performances seem irrelevant in the face of Red Bull’s present standards. The team is focused on the here and now, and Tsunoda’s underwhelming results are not helping his case.

Lawson’s Path to Redemption

While Tsunoda’s future hangs in the balance, Lawson, who was unceremoniously let go by Red Bull after just two races in 2023, has been quietly making a case for his return. Despite his brief time in the car, Lawson’s performance stood out. He scored 20 points in his short stint, proving that he could perform in a Red Bull seat—something Tsunoda has struggled to replicate this season.

The Hungarian Grand Prix of 2023 was the pivotal moment that marked Lawson’s reentry into the conversation. A solid P8 finish, while holding off Verstappen, was a statement that Lawson was not just a fluke. It was a testament to his potential. Many had written Lawson off as a temporary replacement, assuming that Red Bull would instead lean towards drivers like Ayumu Iwasa or the up-and-coming Oliver Lindblad. But Lawson, to his credit, has fought back, showing resilience and rebuilding his reputation in a way that could see him earn another shot at the coveted seat alongside Verstappen.

Lawson himself has kept a measured approach to the situation. When asked about potentially replacing Tsunoda, he explained that he wasn’t focused on the future: “Honestly, in terms of my future, it’s been so busy this year that I’m not really thinking about it right now. I’m focused on having some good races,” Lawson said. “Obviously, we’ve had some strong performances recently, but three of them isn’t enough for over 12 races or however many it’s been. So, we need to do more of this.”

The Politics of Red Bull’s Driver Lineup

Red Bull’s handling of its driver lineup has always been political. The team is notorious for its quick decision-making when it comes to drivers, often changing lineup mid-season based on performance. Tsunoda’s future at Red Bull is now under heavy scrutiny, and Red Bull’s decision-makers are likely already looking at alternatives. They have an embarrassment of talent within their fold: Lawson, Hajar, and Lindblad—all are waiting for their chance to break through.

Helmut Marko made it clear that the pressure is on Tsunoda to deliver. In a chillingly direct comment, Marko stated, “Beating Max is currently impossible. Tsunoda should get the best out of himself and the team. At the moment, everything is open. We are looking at performances both positive and negative.” This blunt statement reflects Red Bull’s no-nonsense approach, where performance is king, and loyalty can quickly be sidelined if a driver fails to live up to expectations.

Tsunoda is well aware of the situation. If he cannot elevate his performance to match the team’s expectations, he could find himself replaced before the end of 2025. That’s a grim prospect for a driver who is yet to make a lasting impact on the F1 grid.

Red Bull’s Development Woes

While driver performance will undoubtedly play a huge role in the team’s decision-making, there’s also a bigger issue looming over Red Bull’s current situation: the RB21 itself. The car’s development has hit a snag, with the team struggling to make significant progress in terms of performance. Upgrades haven’t been delivering the expected results, and it’s only Verstappen’s consistent brilliance that has kept Red Bull at the top of the pack.

In fact, if Verstappen were removed from the equation, Red Bull could easily be sitting in the midfield, struggling to keep pace with teams like Ferrari and Mercedes. With the 2026 regulations looming, Verstappen’s commitment to Red Bull beyond that remains uncertain. If Verstappen were to decide to leave the team in 2027, Red Bull could face an identity crisis. The question then becomes whether the second seat at Red Bull is even a true promotion anymore.

Interestingly, the Racing Bulls team, under the guidance of Laurent Meckys, has seen a recent surge in form. Racing Bulls’ performance has made them serious contenders for the constructor’s championship, and their car seems to have far fewer issues than the RB21. Many have questioned whether Racing Bulls might be the better place to be right now. Meckys, who has been with Red Bull in various capacities, has made it clear that simply transferring improvements from Racing Bulls to the RB21 is not an option. The two cars are fundamentally different, and any attempts to do so would be futile.

The Future of Red Bull’s Second Seat

If Lawson does indeed get another chance with Red Bull, it could be a redemption arc unlike any other in Formula 1. Having experienced the team’s ruthless decision-making process firsthand, Lawson would enter the seat with a level of awareness that few others possess. He understands the pressure, the expectations, and the unforgiving nature of the Red Bull system. His previous stint, though short, has given him valuable experience that could make him a more formidable candidate than ever before.

However, the shadow of his earlier struggles still looms. Should he be granted a second shot, Lawson will need to prove himself almost immediately. The Red Bull system doesn’t give second chances easily, and the margin for error is razor-thin.

The driver market is currently in a state of flux. Tsunoda’s future is uncertain, Lawson is fighting for his chance, and Red Bull is still grappling with the development issues of the RB21. It’s a perfect storm that could lead to one of the most politically charged driver swaps in recent history. Will Liam Lawson’s return be the start of his redemption, or will it mark the end of another promising career chewed up by the Red Bull machine? Only time will tell.