Lawson mounts strong defence of ‘tough’ Red Bull F1 programme

Kiwi Liam Lawson is returning to the F1 grid in the United States, but this time with the seat of his own and not as an injury substitute.

Liam Lawson has launched a strong defence of Red Bull’s junior programme, believing failure would mean a driver is not capable of succeeding in F1.

After Daniel Ricciardo was axed post-Singapore, Lawson was drafted in at RB to replace his fellow antipodean, with a potential 2025 Red Bull seat up for grabs if he out-performs Yuki Tsunoda and Sergio Perez continues to fail to deliver.

Lawson is the 16th driver to race in F1 having received backing from the Red Bull junior programme, with Dr Helmut Marko known to be a hard taskmaster, with drivers jettisoned after not performing, including sometimes mid-season.

However, Kiwi Lawson has defended the Red Bull approach, believing it teaches young drivers good “survival” traits needed in F1.

“Everyone has their views of the Red Bull programme, especially the junior programme and how tough it is,” he told F1.com. 

“At the time, I probably felt like it was too tough at times, but honestly that is what has prepared all of us who have been through it to get to F1.

“If you can’t survive that part of the programme, if you can’t survive it at that age, you’re never going to be able to survive in Formula 1 anyway.

“It’s something that I’m really thankful for now, to do the five races last year [as injury replacement for Ricciardo.]

“I don’t think I would have been able to do that at a decent level if I hadn’t been through that programme.

“I would hate to think what it’s like to jump into F1 without having the experience of that pressure from a young age. The expectation on us is something that helps build you for F1.”

Liam Lawson, a rising star in the world of motorsport, has come to the defence of the Red Bull Racing driver development programme, despite its reputation for being notoriously tough. Known for its high-pressure environment and intense expectations, Red Bull’s programme has produced world-class drivers like Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel. However, it has also been criticized for its ruthless treatment of young talents, often leaving them with short-lived F1 careers. Lawson, who is currently a key figure in Red Bull’s development system, insists that the programme’s toughness is what sets it apart and helps prepare drivers for the reality of Formula 1.

The Red Bull Programme: Success and Criticism

Red Bull Racing has long been known for its aggressive approach to finding and nurturing young talent. The team’s academy pushes drivers to the limit, requiring them to deliver results quickly or risk losing their seat. While this approach has led to extraordinary success, it has also drawn criticism. Drivers like Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon, both of whom were promoted to Red Bull’s senior team before being demoted after struggling to meet expectations, are examples of the immense pressure that comes with being part of the Red Bull system.

Lawson acknowledges the difficulty of the programme but argues that it is this very pressure that prepares drivers for the rigors of F1. “It’s a tough environment, no doubt about that,” Lawson admitted in an interview. “But that’s what Formula 1 is. It’s the pinnacle of motorsport, and you have to be able to handle that pressure if you want to succeed.”

Lawson’s Perspective: Building Strong Drivers

For Lawson, the Red Bull programme’s intensity is a necessary evil. He believes that the high expectations force young drivers to develop both their skills and their mental toughness. “The reason Red Bull has been so successful is because they only keep the best. If you can handle the pressure and deliver, you’ll be in Formula 1. If not, you won’t make it. It’s simple,” Lawson explained.

Lawson’s own journey within the Red Bull system has been marked by perseverance. He has shown remarkable resilience, consistently performing at a high level in junior categories like Formula 2 and Super Formula, where he is proving his potential to graduate to F1. His ability to thrive under pressure has earned him praise within the Red Bull camp, and his staunch defence of the programme indicates that he understands the balance between opportunity and risk.

Red Bull’s Role in Shaping F1

The Red Bull development system remains one of the most rigorous in motorsport, and while it has produced a fair share of casualties, it has also given F1 some of its most dominant drivers. As Lawson’s career progresses, his defence of the programme suggests he is ready to accept the challenge that comes with the territory. “At the end of the day, it’s about whether you have what it takes,” he said. “If you can’t handle the pressure in the programme, you’re probably not going to handle it in F1.”