BREAKING: Lawson 'AXED by Red Bull' as doomed driver could have

Liam Lawson ‘AXED by Red Bull’: Could Verstappen Have Saved Him?

Liam Lawson’s Formula 1 future appears to be in jeopardy as rumors circulate that Red Bull is planning to drop him from their lineup. Reports suggest that an official announcement regarding Lawson’s fate will be made by the team later this week. With a disappointing performance at the Chinese Grand Prix, speculation about his future has grown. Here’s a breakdown of what’s been confirmed and what remains uncertain about Lawson’s situation with Red Bull.

Recent reports from various sources, including former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher, have suggested that Lawson will be dropped from Red Bull and replaced by Yuki Tsunoda. However, these claims are still speculative and have not yet been confirmed by the Red Bull team. While Lawson’s performance has been under scrutiny, it’s important to separate rumor from fact until Red Bull makes an official statement.

Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, addressed the situation following the Chinese Grand Prix, acknowledging that Lawson had experienced a difficult run of races. While Horner expressed the team’s commitment to supporting their driver through this challenging period, he stopped short of confirming whether Lawson would continue racing for Red Bull at the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka.

Potential Replacements for Lawson

If Red Bull decides to replace Lawson, Yuki Tsunoda has emerged as the frontrunner for a promotion. McLaren CEO Zak Brown has previously suggested that Tsunoda was overlooked for a Red Bull seat after Sergio Perez’s departure, further fueling rumors of his potential promotion. Tsunoda has had a solid start to the 2025 season, consistently reaching Q3 in qualifying. Despite a strategic error during the Chinese Grand Prix that saw his chances for points dashed, Tsunoda’s strong performances have bolstered his case for a move to the top team.

Should Tsunoda be promoted, it would leave a vacancy at Racing Bulls, where Isack Hadjar currently holds one seat. Reports from the Spanish media suggest that Lawson may not return to Racing Bulls, though this remains uncertain. One alternative being floated is Alpine reserve driver Franco Colapinto, who may take the spot at Racing Bulls if Lawson is not retained. Speculation about Colapinto joining the team grew after Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko was seen in the Alpine hospitality area during the Chinese Grand Prix weekend.

Could Ricciardo Make a Surprise Return?

Many fans are calling for the return of Daniel Ricciardo, the former Red Bull star, but the Australian has previously indicated that his time in F1 is over. After being asked about a potential drive with Cadillac in 2024, Ricciardo stated he was “done” with F1. However, given the current turmoil within the Red Bull camp and the potential vacancy, some have speculated that a return to the top team could entice Ricciardo back into the sport. While there has been no official comment on this possibility, it remains a popular talking point among F1 fans.

Red Bull’s Decision Process

A final decision on Lawson’s future is expected this week, following meetings involving Red Bull’s key figures. Christian Horner and Red Bull bosses are set to meet in Dubai, where Chalerm Yoovidhya, the team’s Thai major shareholder, resides. Honda, who are heavily involved in Red Bull’s engine manufacturing, will also have a say in the outcome. Additionally, there will be discussions at Red Bull’s headquarters in Milton Keynes to address the team’s struggles with their RB21 car. Max Verstappen, the team’s lead driver, is expected to be part of these meetings, which may play a role in the final decision.

As of now, Horner has neither confirmed nor denied Lawson’s departure from the team, nor has he provided details about who might take over the second seat at Red Bull. Fans will have to wait for an official announcement in the coming days to learn whether Lawson’s time with the team is coming to an end, and if Tsunoda or another driver will step into the Red Bull cockpit at Suzuka.