Liam Lawson, the 23-year-old New Zealand driver, made a strong return to the Racing Bulls team at the Japanese Grand Prix, finishing an impressive fifth in a disrupted Free Practice 2 (FP2) session at Suzuka. After a challenging two-race stint with Red Bull Racing that ended in a shock demotion, Lawson shared his thoughts on the differences between the Racing Bulls VCARB 02 and the Red Bull RB21, offering insight into his transition back to the junior team.
Lawson’s brief tenure at Red Bull Racing came to an abrupt halt after lackluster performances in Australia and China, where he struggled to adapt to the notoriously tricky RB21. Replaced by Yuki Tsunoda ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, Lawson found himself back in familiar territory with Racing Bulls, a team he had previously driven for in 11 grands prix across two seasons. His return to Suzuka, a track he knows well from his time in Super Formula, provided an opportunity to reset and showcase his potential.
Speaking after Friday’s practice sessions, Lawson described the VCARB 02 as a stark contrast to the RB21. “It felt good. It does feel different, definitely,” he said. “I think it’s maybe not what everyone expects, but it is definitely a different feeling to drive.” While he didn’t delve into technical specifics, Lawson hinted that the Racing Bulls car offers a more manageable and predictable driving experience, a sentiment echoed by observers who have noted the RB21’s challenging handling characteristics.
“I think the window that the [Racing Bulls] guys have at the moment is very, very good,” Lawson added, suggesting the VCARB 02’s performance window suits his driving style more comfortably than the Red Bull machine. His FP2 result—just four-tenths off pacesetter Oscar Piastri and less than a tenth behind new teammate Isack Hadjar—backed up his confidence, especially on a day marked by red flags and variable conditions.
Lawson’s demotion from Red Bull after only two races sparked widespread debate in the Formula 1 paddock, with figures like Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton questioning the team’s ruthless approach. Verstappen, who has mastered the RB21 to secure podiums despite its flaws, subtly criticized the decision, while Hamilton called it “pretty harsh.” Red Bull team principal Christian Horner defended the move as a “sporting decision” aimed at protecting Lawson’s development, but the Kiwi driver admitted it caught him off guard. “I was surprised,” he said earlier this week. “I was hoping to go to a track I’d raced before and have a clean weekend to have a chance like that.”
Back at Racing Bulls, Lawson has found a warmer reception. Team principal Laurent Mekies emphasized the priority of helping Lawson regain his footing, and the driver himself expressed gratitude for the supportive environment. “I’ve spent a lot of time with this team, they’re a great bunch of people, and it’s nice to feel that welcome back again,” he said. With the VCARB 02 showing competitive pace early in the 2025 season, Lawson sees an opportunity to rebuild his confidence and prove his worth in Formula 1.
The Suzuka circuit, recently resurfaced and faster than ever, added an extra layer of excitement to Lawson’s return. “With the resurfacing, sector one is even faster now, so it just feels like it’s tearing your head off, which is quite exciting,” he remarked. As he prepares for qualifying and the race, Lawson remains focused on maximizing his performance rather than speculating about a potential return to Red Bull. “The only way I can control [my future] is by driving fast,” he said.