Rejuvenated Liam Lawson Returns to Racing Bulls with Newfound Determination

Apr 18, 2025 at 5:46 PM
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Racing Bulls CEO Peter Bayer has expressed satisfaction at witnessing a revitalized Liam Lawson, following the latter's departure from Red Bull's Formula 1 team. Initially, the New Zealand driver appeared disheartened after being replaced just two races into the season. Despite not scoring points yet in his return to the Italian-based squad, Lawson is gradually regaining his former self, according to Bayer. The familiar surroundings seem to be aiding in his recovery of form and confidence, as he aims to rebuild his reputation on the track.

Peter Bayer noted that while Lawson maintained he hadn't lost confidence post-demotion, there was an observable shift in his demeanor. Although the Kiwi racer hasn't accumulated any points so far since rejoining Racing Bulls, glimpses of his speed have emerged. Bayer attributes this positive change to Lawson's comfort within the familiar environment. "He’s starting to become 'the old Liam' once again," Bayer remarked. Initially appearing puzzled by the rapid changes, Lawson quickly adapted back into his role, leveraging his knowledge of the team and tools to regain his racing edge.

Bayer described Lawson's return as a pleasant experience for the team. During the Bahrain weekend, Lawson showcased impressive speed, despite a DRS fault affecting qualifying performance. The Austrian leader also highlighted the progress made by Racing Bulls in 2025, acknowledging rookie Isack Hadjar's contributions. However, strategic risks during early races, such as staying out on slicks in Australia and opting for a two-stop strategy in China, impacted their potential point gains.

In addition to Lawson's resurgence, Racing Bulls has found success under Laurent Mekies' leadership, unlocking car pace evident in Melbourne and beyond. While they faced ups and downs, including missed opportunities due to risky strategies, the team remains optimistic about their campaign moving forward. Bayer praised Hadjar's development as a young driver transitioning from F2, noting his significant potential both on and off the track.

As the season progresses, Racing Bulls anticipates strong performances from its drivers. With Lawson's growing confidence and Hadjar's burgeoning talent, the team aims to secure consistent points and improve upon strategic decisions. Their journey reflects a blend of seasoned experience and emerging talent, setting the stage for a promising future in Formula 1.