Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has officially confirms after...read more.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has officially confirms after…read more.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has acknowledged that the decision to drop Liam Lawson from their Formula 1 plans was a “cruel” but necessary choice. Despite Lawson’s impressive performances as a reserve driver and stand-in for AlphaTauri (now Visa Cash App RB) in 2023, Red Bull opted to retain Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda for the 2024 season, leaving Lawson without a race seat.

Speaking to the media, Horner admitted the difficulty of the decision but emphasized that Red Bull needed to prioritize its current lineup. “It’s always tough making these calls, and unfortunately, the sport can be cruel at times. Liam did everything right when he got his opportunity, but we had to go with the drivers who best fit our long-term strategy,” Horner explained.

Lawson, who remains Red Bull’s official reserve driver, has expressed his disappointment but remains committed to securing a full-time F1 seat in the future. The young New Zealander made a strong impression when he stepped in for the injured Ricciardo last season, scoring points and proving his potential. However, with no available seat at Red Bull or its sister team, his immediate future in Formula 1 remains uncertain.

Despite the setback, Horner assured that Lawson is still part of Red Bull’s plans and could get another opportunity. “Liam is a fantastic talent, and his time will come,” he said. For now, Lawson must wait for an opening while continuing his role on the sidelines.