Liam Lawson, the New Zealand-born driver who will be stepping into the role of Red Bull Racing’s new driver in 2025, has become one of the most talked-about figures in Formula 1 in recent months. As he prepares to take on the immense challenge of driving for one of the most successful teams in the sport’s history, Lawson is not only grappling with the pressures of racing at the highest level but also navigating the complexities of social media attention and the expectations that come with joining Red Bull Racing.
In a recent interview with The Times, Lawson opened up about the realities of being thrust into the limelight, the harsh comments he has received from fans of other drivers, and how he plans to handle the pressure of competing alongside teammates like Max Verstappen. The young driver’s forthright comments about his racing style and his refusal to change it for the sake of others’ expectations reflect his determination to make a mark in Formula 1 on his own terms.
Liam Lawson’s Social Media Challenges and Mental Toughness
With the rise of social media, professional athletes, including Formula 1 drivers like Liam Lawson, are often under scrutiny not only for their on-track performance but also for their off-track behavior. This new era of instantaneous communication has allowed fans to interact directly with their heroes, but it has also opened the door for more intense criticism and, in some cases, vitriol.
For Lawson, the reality of facing harsh comments, particularly from fans of other drivers like Sergio Perez and Daniel Ricciardo, came as a shock. In the early stages of his Formula 1 career, the young driver was accustomed to reading comments and engaging with fans on platforms like Twitter and Instagram. However, as the criticism from rival fans grew more intense, Lawson realized that he was not prepared for this side of being a professional driver.
“I have to admit that at first I read these kinds of messages a lot because I never expected to encounter something like this and I was not prepared for it,” Lawson shared in his interview with The Times. The 2025 Red Bull Racing driver explained how the comments initially affected him, especially since his mind was entirely focused on race preparation and performance, leaving little room to handle the emotional weight of online abuse.
In response to the overwhelming negativity, Lawson decided to significantly reduce his social media presence. “Now I hardly spend any time on social media. Sometimes I share something for my fans, but I don’t read the comments or check the messages,” he said. His decision to step back from the toxic side of social media highlights the importance of mental fortitude for athletes in high-pressure environments like Formula 1. Lawson recognizes that focusing on racing, and not allowing external distractions to derail his concentration, is key to maintaining his performance on the track.
Proving Himself on Track: Liam Lawson‘s Approach to Racing
Despite the challenges he has faced off the track, Liam Lawson’s approach to racing has always been about focus, determination, and the desire to prove himself. Throughout his career, Lawson has made it clear that he is not intimidated by more experienced drivers or by the heightened expectations that come with being part of a top-tier team like Red Bull Racing. In his recent comments, he reiterated that he is not looking to change his approach to racing just because others are more respected or experienced than him.
“I’m not trying to race too aggressively on the track. But I’m not looking to change my approach to racing just because someone is more experienced or more respected than me,” Lawson said. This mindset is a reflection of his confidence in his abilities and his refusal to be swayed by external pressures. Lawson’s commitment to staying true to his own racing style is a testament to his character and his belief in his own skills.
In Formula 1, the competition is fierce, and drivers are often subjected to intense scrutiny from both fans and the media. For a driver like Lawson, who is entering his first full season with Red Bull Racing, the challenge of competing against seasoned veterans like Max Verstappen is immense. However, Lawson’s unwavering confidence in his approach suggests that he is not intimidated by the task ahead.
The Red Bull Racing Seat: Liam Lawson’s Challenge
As he prepares to race for Red Bull Racing in 2025, Liam Lawson is well aware of the challenges that lie ahead. While joining a top team like Red Bull offers unparalleled opportunities, it also comes with immense pressure. Lawson will be racing alongside Max Verstappen, the reigning World Champion, which brings its own set of expectations. Many believe that Verstappen’s dominant presence in the team could make it difficult for anyone to match his pace, and Lawson will have to prove that he can adapt to the Red Bull car and perform at the highest level.
Over the past few seasons, Red Bull Racing has seen several drivers come and go, with many struggling to keep up with Verstappen’s exceptional performance. Drivers like Alex Albon, Pierre Gasly, and Sergio Perez all faced difficulties in the Red Bull seat, and their inability to consistently challenge Verstappen for victories ultimately led to their departure from the team.
However, Lawson does not fully subscribe to the theory that the difficulty of driving for Red Bull is entirely due to the car’s unique driving characteristics. While it is widely acknowledged that Red Bull’s car is quite different from others on the grid, especially in terms of how it handles, Lawson believes that drivers can adapt to it with enough time and effort.
“I’m not so sure about this theory about driving styles. Of course, everyone wants the car to behave in a way that suits their own style. But I’ve spent a lot of time developing Red Bull’s cars,” Lawson explained. “I think I have a pretty good understanding of how the RB20 responds. That’s why I can’t completely accept a statement like ‘This car doesn’t suit my driving style.'”
For Lawson, it’s all about adapting to the car and maximizing its potential, something he has been working on throughout his career. His time as a reserve driver for Red Bull Racing over the past two years has given him a solid understanding of the team’s cars and their development, making him confident that he can succeed in the Red Bull Racing environment.
Adapting to Red Bull’s Unique Driving Style
Adapting to the driving characteristics of a top Formula 1 car, especially one as technically advanced as the Red Bull, is not an easy task. Many drivers, including some highly experienced ones, have found it challenging to adjust to the car’s demands. However, Lawson’s experience in lower categories, coupled with his work as a reserve driver for Red Bull, has given him a unique insight into the car’s performance.
As Lawson points out, Formula 1 drivers are professional athletes who must adapt to the different characteristics of every car they race. Whether it’s adjusting to the specific handling of a Red Bull car or finding the right balance in other teams, drivers must be versatile and quick to adapt. This mentality is at the core of Lawson’s approach to racing, and it’s what will help him navigate the challenges ahead with Red Bull Racing.
Liam Lawson’s Drive for Success
Liam Lawson’s journey into Formula 1 has been a testament to his determination, skill, and mental toughness. As he prepares to race for Red Bull Racing in 2025, Lawson is aware of the immense challenge that lies ahead, especially with the added pressure of competing against Max Verstappen. However, Lawson’s unwavering belief in his own abilities and his refusal to conform to others’ expectations is a sign of the mental strength that will serve him well in the high-pressure world of Formula 1.
Despite the challenges he has faced off the track, including harsh comments on social media, Lawson’s focus remains on proving himself on the track. His confidence in his approach to racing and his ability to adapt to Red Bull’s unique driving style will be key factors in his success moving forward. As he takes on the challenge of racing for one of the most successful teams in Formula 1, Liam Lawson will be one to watch in the coming seasons as he looks to make his mark in the sport.
