Liam Lawson Opens Up About Max Verstappen's Support After Red Bull Demotion
Demoted Red Bull driver Liam Lawson has publicly discussed the unwavering support he received from teammate Max Verstappen during one of the most difficult phases of his career. The New Zealander, who was promoted to Red Bull in 2025 to replace Sergio Perez, faced swift demotion back to Racing Bulls after struggling in his initial two races.
Struggles and Swift Demotion at Red Bull
Lawson's promotion to Red Bull in 2025 saw him line up alongside Verstappen, but his performance fell short in the opening races. He qualified in P18 at the Melbourne Grand Prix and finished at the back of the field in both sprint and main qualifying sessions in China. These struggles led to his rapid demotion, with Yuki Tsunoda stepping in as his replacement at Red Bull.
The decision to axe Lawson was not made by former team principal Christian Horner, who has since clarified that it was driven by pressures from the young driver programme, notably influenced by Helmut Marko. Horner stated, "It wasn't my choice. I was always pushed to take drivers from the young driver programme. Helmut was a big driver in it."
Verstappen's True Character Revealed
Despite the demotion, Lawson has bounced back impressively with Racing Bulls and has now highlighted Verstappen's true character. In an interview on The Gypsy Taled podcast, Lawson praised Verstappen for his kindness and support throughout the ordeal.
He said, "He's also so, so nice as a person. He's such a nice guy. Through everything that happened last year with Red Bull, he was so good to me, man. Before I came into the team, when I first came on the team, he was super nice and any questions, he was just helpful, really helpful, was happy to help. And then afterwards as well, he was really, really good to me."
Private Plane Offer and Ongoing Support
Lawson further revealed that Verstappen extended a generous offer of a private plane ride, showcasing his supportive nature. "He was honestly really, really good. And then, quite often he flies home, and I just moved to Monaco last year, and he's like 'Just come with me if you ever need a ride.' So he's a real, real nice guy," Lawson added.
This gesture underscores Verstappen's willingness to assist a teammate beyond the racetrack, offering practical help during a challenging transition period for Lawson.
Impact on Lawson's Career and Future Prospects
Lawson's experience highlights the intense pressures and rapid changes in Formula 1, particularly within teams like Red Bull that have robust young driver programmes. His ability to recover with Racing Bulls demonstrates resilience, while Verstappen's support serves as a reminder of the camaraderie that can exist amidst the competitive nature of the sport.
As Lawson continues to build his career, this episode sheds light on the human side of motorsport, where personal relationships and mentorship play crucial roles in navigating the highs and lows of professional racing.
