In the wake of being dropped by Red Bull after just two races, Liam Lawson takes to social media and admits "it's tough".

A day after Max Verstappen and several other drivers, including Pierre Gasly, who was also dropped as the Dutchman's teammate, liked a social media post by former F1 driver, Giedo van der Garde, in which he gave his support to the New Zealander whilst criticising his team, Lawson finally broke his silence.

"Being a @redbullracing driver has been my dream since I was a kid," he wrote on Instagram, "it's what I've worked towards my whole life.

"It's tough," he continued, "but im grateful for everything that's brought me to this point.

"To every one of you who's stood by me, thank you for all the support it means the world.

"Thank you @visacashapprb for the warm welcome, I'm excited and ready to go to work at one of my favourite places".

Alongside his post was a picture of him while at junior school, having given a presentation to his class in which he talked about the job he hoped to have when he grew up... an "F1 driver".

According to the school report, the youngster presented his information using good volume and was able to maintain audience interest and answer questions on his chosen job.

Meanwhile, Helmut Marko, who last year was urging Red Bull to confirm Lawson as Sergio Perez' replacement for 2025 or risk him using a clause in his contract to look elsewhere, has admitted that he made a mistake in promoting the New Zealander over the more experienced Yuki Tsunoda.

"Yuki was too inconsistent," he told OE24, "and that is why we unanimously chose Lawson. But under the increased pressure, he couldn't deliver from day one," he said of the kiwi.

"He entered a downward spiral," he continued, "it is like a stricken boxer, and on top of that it is hard to get out of. In that sense, it was a mistake.

"In Australia, Liam had a turbo problem in the third free practice. The mileage he lost there, he came up short, and what he has delivered so far is obviously not enough, we need a strong second driver, if only for tactics."

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1. Posted by Max Noble, 29/03/2025 6:09

"From my “He Knows, You Know” article in October last year; to wit on Marko’s background…

——
“Helmut Marko. What does he know? Over a period in 1971-72 he had nine F1 race starts with BRM, and a non-works McLaren. Didn't podium but he has raced in F1, with a best finish of 8th in a Marlboro BRM at the 1972 Monaco GP. He's won Le Mans twice in 1970, and 71. He's raced in a few other categories with limited success. He and co-driver Gijs van Lennep set a distance record for the 1971 Le Mans race in their Martini-Porsche 917K covering 5,335.313 kms at an average speed of 222.304 kph, a distance not bettered until 2010. Took others 39 years to beat that record.
In 1972 Marko drove a lap record around the 72km road circuit of the Targa Florio, in his Alfa Romeo 33 he lapped in 33 minutes and 41 seconds at an average of 128.253 kph. As a result he gained over two minutes on the leader, and finished second by only 17 seconds.
A few weeks after the Targa, while competing the 1972 French GP, Helmut was struck by a stone thrown up by Ronnie Peterson's March. The stone smashed through his visor and permanently blinded him in his left eye, ending his racing career.
Off track, Marko has a doctorate in law, owns and runs hotels, and was the manager for drivers including Gerhard Berger and Karl Wendlinger. From 1989 onward he ran a Formula 3 and a Formula 3000 team, before transforming this into Red Bull junior racing in 1999. Since running Red Bull junior...? Oh, he's only discovered Vettel, Ricciardo, Sainz Junior, and V. Max among others. So, what does he know about motor racing...?”
——

Don’t knock the man. He has been there, done that, and got the tee-shirt. But he is brutal to to point of appearing unfeeling, and a competitor so fierce he is happy burning young careers in the race to win.

I agree with Marko, and V. Max that Lawson is probably going to race far better back in the Racing Bulls car. For me the fascination is going to be how will Tsunoda go in the Red Bull? This could be a serious case of “be careful what you wish for.” - I think he is in for a shock… but let’s see what happens in Japan… My cheeky prediction? Lawson out qualifies, and out finishes Tsunoda. Which will leave Red Bull looking like a bunch of crash test dummies… I’d run V. Max through the photocopier and simply run him in both RB cars…
"

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2. Posted by Burton, 28/03/2025 18:58

"Marko has stolen a living this entire time, apparently applying little to no care or insight into the job, and having the job in the first place for being the owner's mate."

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3. Posted by BrightonCorgi, 28/03/2025 15:23

"Prove the world wrong with podium or consistent points this season."

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4. Posted by BrightonCorgi, 28/03/2025 15:23

"Prove the world wrong with podium or consistent points this season."

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5. Posted by KKK, 28/03/2025 13:45

"Marko : you have absolutely no idea how to norture an employee. You should really look in the mirror and ask yourselft if you are doing a good enough job."

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"It's tough," admits Lawson

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