How Moving to Red Bull Destroyed Liam Lawson’s Aura
Liam Lawson entered Formula 1 with an undeniable spark, quickly becoming a fan favorite for his impressive performances in 2023. The cute Kiwi with undeniable talent, Lawson’s rise was fresh, exciting, and full of promise. However, after his transition to Red Bull Racing in late 2024, many began to notice a shift — he’s lost his "aura." Let’s explore how Liam Lawson’s career trajectory has changed since joining Red Bull Racing and why this move might have altered his future in Formula 1.
Liam Lawson's Rise to Prominence in Formula 1
Before joining Red Bull Racing, Liam Lawson had already proven his immense potential in Formula 1. His standout performances in 2023, especially when stepping in for the injured Daniel Ricciardo at AlphaTauri, highlighted his skill, composure, and ability to perform under pressure. Lawson quickly became one of the most exciting up-and-coming drivers in the sport, exuding a quiet confidence. There was a growing sense of anticipation surrounding him. Fans believed Lawson could carve out his own path in F1, building his brand (his Cars obsession, anyone?) and establishing himself as the next big name in the sport — not just as a replacement for fan favorites.
Red Bull Racing: The Shift That Changed Everything for Lawson
In late 2024, Liam Lawson’s career took a dramatic turn when he was promoted to Red Bull Racing — one of the most successful and powerful teams in Formula 1. On the surface, this seemed like the golden ticket for Lawson. Red Bull has dominated F1 for years, and being part of this powerhouse team should have elevated Lawson’s profile in the sport.
However, the reality of joining Red Bull Racing is much more complicated. While Lawson’s talent is undeniable, the transition to a team that prioritizes success above all else will have significant consequences for his career. In Red Bull’s hyper-competitive environment, drivers are expected to fit into a very specific role: supporting the team’s championship goals. If Lawson doesn’t perform, will he be treated like Gasly and Albon in previous years? In such a high-pressure environment, there’s little room for a young driver to develop his own identity or make mistakes. Red Bull’s “second-driver” dynamic is notorious for limiting the potential of its non-number-one drivers, and Lawson’s situation could be no exception.
The most significant challenge for Lawson at Red Bull Racing is the sheer weight of Max Verstappen’s presence. As the reigning champion and face of Red Bull, Verstappen has redefined what it means to be the team’s number-one driver. Red Bull's success is so tightly bound to Verstappen’s performance that the second driver often finds themselves relegated to a support role, regardless of their own talent.
For a driver like Lawson, the “aura” he once carried as an exciting underdog in F1 has faded as expectations shifted. No longer is he the unpredictable rising star; instead, he’s become just another cog in Red Bull’s well-oiled machine.
Why the Shift in Lawson’s Aura Is Problematic: The Issue of F1’s Diversity
While Liam Lawson’s promotion to Red Bull Racing may have seemed like a natural career progression, it raises some important questions about diversity and representation in Formula 1. The sport has long struggled with a lack of diversity, and the promotion of a white driver like Lawson to one of the most coveted seats in F1 — while highly qualified drivers of color face significant barriers — has become a point of contention.
Take Yuki Tsunoda, for example. Yuki has been a key driver for Red Bull’s junior team, Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, since his debut in 2021, making a name for himself with his aggressive driving style. Despite facing consistency challenges, Tsunoda has grown both as a driver and a team leader, with Red Bull continuing to place trust in his development. He even led the team, even with teammates like Nyck de Vries and Daniel Ricciardo. Yet, despite this experience and development, Tsunoda wasn’t given the opportunity to take the top seat at Red Bull — a decision that some fans speculate is related to his ties with Honda, but it still feels like a missed opportunity for a talented driver.
In a sport where talent from all backgrounds should be celebrated, many fans are frustrated by the continued promotion of white drivers over highly qualified drivers of color. While Lawson’s skill and success are undeniable, his promotion to Red Bull — a team already known for elevating white drivers — highlights the ongoing issue of inequality in F1. Formula 1 is increasingly under pressure to be more diverse, and Lawson’s opportunity came at the expense of drivers from marginalized backgrounds, which cannot be overlooked.
(Note: There are rumors that Tsunoda was passed up for the top Red Bull seat due to his connections with Honda, which won’t continue as a partner. While this might be true, the lingering smell of discrimination is undeniable.)
Fans and critics are growing increasingly aware of these systemic issues in F1, and Lawson’s promotion, while justified in sporting terms, has unintentionally added fuel to the ongoing conversation about diversity in the sport.
How Liam Lawson Can Reclaim His Aura
For now, Lawson remains part of Red Bull’s broader strategy, but his future in Formula 1 requires careful navigation. Can he break free from the shadow of Max Verstappen and the restrictive team dynamics of Christian Horner and Helmut Marko? Will he be able to recapture the excitement that once surrounded him? Only time will tell, but I remain hopeful.
Conclusion: The Diminishing Aura of Liam Lawson
Liam Lawson’s journey in Formula 1 has been exciting thus far. From his early days as a promising rookie to his 2024 move to Red Bull Racing, Lawson appeared destined for greatness. However, joining Red Bull Racing in 2024 has led many to question whether Lawson can still fulfill the potential that once made him one of the most exciting prospects in F1.
As fans continue to scrutinize the dynamics at Red Bull and the broader conversation about diversity in F1, Lawson’s move hasn’t been the best PR for him so far. That said, I still believe he can save the “Liam Lawson brand.” For now, his “aura” may have dimmed, but his story is far from over. Can Liam Lawson find a way to break free from the mold and reclaim the spotlight in Formula 1? What do you think?
