Brundle Criticizes Red Bull: “Lawson’s Reputation Has Been Shattered”

Former F1 Driver Questions Red Bull’s Decision

Former F1 driver and Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle has strongly criticized Red Bull’s handling of Liam Lawson, stating that the young New Zealander’s reputation has been “temporarily shattered” following his abrupt demotion.

Lawson, who was given a chance to race for Red Bull’s junior team, Racing Bulls, had a disastrous start to the season. His debut at the Australian Grand Prix was far from ideal, as he struggled to adapt to the car, qualifying only 18th before crashing out of the rain-affected race.

The Chinese Grand Prix was another disappointing weekend for Lawson. He qualified at the very back of the grid and only managed to finish 12th, benefiting from the disqualification of three other drivers ahead of him.

Following these setbacks, Red Bull’s management held an urgent meeting and decided to demote Lawson back to Racing Bulls, promoting Yuki Tsunoda to the senior Red Bull team instead. This sudden driver swap sent shockwaves through the paddock and left many questioning Red Bull’s decision-making process. Among them was Martin Brundle, who took to social media to share his thoughts.

Brundle: “Red Bull’s Driver Management is Confusing”

Brundle, who has followed Red Bull’s approach to young driver development closely over the years, did not hold back in his criticism. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), he expressed his frustration with the team’s handling of its driver lineup.

“Red Bull has a junior team on the grid, yet their driver management seems more chaotic than ever. It just doesn’t make sense,” Brundle wrote. “Liam Lawson’s reputation has temporarily been shattered, and now he has nothing to lose. He needs to turn this into an opportunity and prove his talent.”

Brundle’s comments reflect a growing sentiment in the paddock that Red Bull’s aggressive driver policy is doing more harm than good for young talents. The energy drink giant is notorious for its ruthless decision-making, often promoting and demoting drivers at a moment’s notice. This approach has produced champions like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, but it has also left a long list of discarded talents, including Daniil Kvyat, Pierre Gasly, and Alex Albon, who were all dropped from the main Red Bull team after failing to meet expectations.

Lawson’s Future: Can He Bounce Back?

For Liam Lawson, the road ahead is now uncertain. Despite showing promise as Red Bull’s reserve driver last season—where he even impressed as a stand-in for Daniel Ricciardo at AlphaTauri—his demotion raises questions about his long-term future in F1.

The 22-year-old is undoubtedly talented, but F1 is a brutal sport where perception matters as much as performance. Being sent back to Racing Bulls after just a couple of races is a tough blow, and he will now have to fight to restore his reputation.

On the flip side, Brundle’s comments suggest that Lawson might now be in a position where he can take more risks. With nothing left to lose, he could push harder, prove his worth, and force Red Bull to reconsider their decision in the coming months.

Is Red Bull’s Ruthlessness Hurting Young Talents?

Red Bull’s driver academy has long been praised for producing exceptional talent, but it has also been criticized for its high-pressure, sink-or-swim approach. Unlike teams like Mercedes and Ferrari, which tend to nurture their young drivers more patiently, Red Bull’s philosophy revolves around instant performance.

For some drivers, this approach works. Max Verstappen, for example, thrived under Red Bull’s cutthroat system, becoming the youngest race winner in F1 history. However, for others like Gasly, Albon, and now potentially Lawson, the rapid promotions and demotions have been damaging.

The decision to drop Lawson so quickly after just two races feels particularly harsh, especially when Red Bull has given other drivers longer to prove themselves. Brundle’s criticism highlights the growing debate in F1 over whether Red Bull’s system is efficient or simply too brutal.

What’s Next for Red Bull’s Driver Lineup?

With Yuki Tsunoda now stepping up to the senior team, the focus will shift to how he performs alongside Max Verstappen. If he struggles, could Red Bull make another abrupt change? History suggests that nothing is off the table when it comes to their driver lineup.

As for Lawson, he must now refocus and deliver standout performances at Racing Bulls if he wants to earn another shot in F1. With Brundle and other high-profile figures calling out Red Bull’s handling of young drivers, the pressure is now on the team to prove that they are making the right decisions.

One thing is certain—this Red Bull driver saga is far from over.