In a whirlwind of controversy swirling around Red Bull Racing, the team is reportedly contemplating demoting rookie driver Liam Lawson after just two races in the 2025 Formula 1 season, sparking fierce debate within the sport. The young New Zealander, thrust into the high-pressure seat vacated by Sergio Perez, has struggled to meet the lofty expectations set by Red Bull’s motorsport advisor Helmut Marko. Now, with his future hanging in the balance, former F1 driver Christijan Albers has stepped in, pleading with Marko to grant Lawson one more chance at the Japanese Grand Prix before making a final call. The situation has exposed tensions within the team and raised questions about the handling of emerging talent in the cutthroat world of F1.

Lawson’s promotion to Red Bull was announced with clear objectives from Marko: support reigning champion Max Verstappen in securing both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships. Marko outlined specific targets, demanding that Lawson stay within three-tenths of Verstappen’s pace in qualifying and races while steadily improving his performance. It was a tall order for a driver stepping into unfamiliar tracks—Australia and China—with no prior experience at either circuit. Yet, Red Bull’s faith in Lawson’s potential, honed through their junior program, seemed unwavering at the outset. However, after two lackluster weekends, that confidence appears to be wavering.

In his debut at the Australian Grand Prix, Lawson qualified a full second slower than Verstappen, exiting in Q1 before a crash in wet conditions ended his race prematurely. Red Bull downplayed the setback, attributing it to inexperience and tricky weather. But the following week in China painted a bleaker picture. Another Q1 elimination left him starting in P20, and he failed to score points, trailing far behind Verstappen’s dominant performance. With no tangible contribution to the Constructors’ Championship, whispers of a replacement began to circulate. Marko’s cryptic comments in China, neither confirming nor denying the rumors, only fueled speculation that Lawson’s stint could be cut short after just two races.

Christijan Albers, a former F1 driver turned pundit, has publicly criticized Red Bull’s approach, particularly targeting Marko’s lack of support for Lawson. Albers argues that expecting a rookie to match Verstappen—one of the sport’s all-time greats—on unfamiliar tracks with minimal preparation is unrealistic. He has urged Marko to give Lawson a third race in Japan, a circuit that could offer a fairer test of his abilities, before casting judgment. Albers didn’t mince words, accusing Marko of failing to nurture his driver during these critical early days, a stance that has resonated with fans who see Lawson as a victim of Red Bull’s famously ruthless driver management.

The potential demotion has sparked a broader conversation about Red Bull’s strategy. Lawson’s struggles highlight the immense pressure placed on newcomers in a team built around Verstappen’s brilliance. Replacing Perez was always going to be a daunting task, given the Mexican’s experience and past contributions, but Lawson’s rapid promotion was seen as a bold bet on youth. Now, with Red Bull reportedly eyeing alternatives—possibly a return for Perez or a promotion from their sister team—Lawson’s dream opportunity could slip away as quickly as it arrived.

For Lawson, the stakes couldn’t be higher. At 23, he’s viewed as a prodigy with raw speed and potential, but his inability to adapt instantly has exposed the steep learning curve of F1’s elite level. Social media is abuzz with opinions, from supporters pleading for patience to detractors claiming he’s out of his depth. As Red Bull weighs its decision in the coming days, the spotlight remains on Marko, whose next move could define Lawson’s career. Japan looms as a possible lifeline, but whether he gets the chance to prove himself—or becomes another casualty of Red Bull’s unforgiving system—remains uncertain. The F1 world watches with bated breath, awaiting the fate of a driver caught in the crosshairs of ambition and expectation.