As the 2025 Formula 1 season unfolds, Liam Lawson finds himself under mounting pressure following a challenging debut in the Red Bull team. Despite the Racing Bulls car being labeled as potentially easier to drive than its precursor, the RB21, Lawson admits that he still must rise to the occasion.

Throughout the first two races, Lawson has struggled significantly, failing to progress beyond Q1 in his qualifying attempts and accumulating no points. This has led to rampant speculation about his future, with rumors suggesting that fellow drivers Yuki Tsunoda and Isack Hadjar may be positioned to take his spot if results do not improve quickly.

In stark contrast to Lawson's performance, Tsunoda has emerged as a standout driver this season, consistently qualifying for Q3 and earning three points—though he has faced some misfortune due to strategic errors and mechanical issues. Hadjar, despite a rocky start, including a crash on the formation lap during the Australian Grand Prix, has also been performing better, claiming a solid P11 finish in China.

The conversation surrounding Lawson intensified with Max Verstappen's recent comments. The two-time World Champion suggested that if Lawson were behind the wheel of the Racing Bulls car, he would likely outperform in comparison to his current struggles. Verstappen emphasized the broader parity among drivers in other teams, indicating the difficulty of the car Lawson is currently handling.

"The Racing Bulls car is definitely easier to drive,” Lawson confirmed in a recent interview. Nevertheless, he recognized the need for improvement, stating, “It's a difficult car, but every lap helps me learn."

Team principal Christian Horner also weighed in on the comparison between the cars, remarking that the Racing Bulls offers a "more settled" driving experience. He explained that while it may have inherent understeer, it allows drivers to adapt more readily than the edgier RB21.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Lawson to see if he can capitalize on the learning opportunities ahead and regain his footing in the high-stakes world of F1. With only so much time left to secure his future within the Red Bull program, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if he can transform his fortunes or if he will face an early exit.

The next race could be pivotal for Lawson as he aims to silence the doubters and prove he belongs in Formula 1—can he rise to the challenge?