Liam Lawson has vowed to prove his place in Formula One after a sudden and unexpected demotion from Red Bull Racing just two races into the 2025 season. The 23-year-old New Zealander, who failed to score points in his brief stint with the main Red Bull team, will now return to Red Bull’s sister team RB, replacing Yuki Tsunoda ahead of this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. Lawson admitted during a press briefing on Thursday that the decision came as a shock, describing the moment as “tough” and “something I wasn’t expecting so early.” His outings in Australia and China marked his first full races for Red Bull in 2025, both held on circuits he had never raced at before. Despite the challenging circumstances, he said he was ready to move forward and focus on delivering results in his new seat.
 

“I was hoping to go to a track that I’d raced before and have a clean weekend,” Lawson said, reflecting on how his start to the season unfolded. “The decision was made, I was told, so although it was tough to hear, I had one or two days to think about it. Then I was starting preparations, and you’re just focused on the job.” Lawson emphasized that being back on the grid—even if not in a Red Bull seat—is an opportunity he doesn’t take lightly. “I have the opportunity to still be in Formula One and race, and that’s the main thing for me,” he said, highlighting his determination to make the most of his return to the RB team. His demotion followed a call from Red Bull team principal Christian Horner after the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai. According to Lawson, by the time he received the call, the decision was “a done deal,” leaving him little room for appeal. However, the development has not shaken his confidence. Instead, he views it as a chance to reassert his capabilities on the track.
 

“For me, the main thing is being in a car and having the opportunity to prove why I belong here,” he affirmed. “And that’s what I’ll try and do every single time I get in the car, including this weekend.” Lawson is no stranger to the RB team, having raced 11 grands prix for them over two previous seasons. His familiarity with the team setup and operations could play a key role in helping him quickly settle into his new role and regain momentum as the season progresses. “We all have enough self-belief to be there,” he said when asked about his mindset. “If you don’t have that, it makes it very difficult. It doesn’t really change how I feel about myself.”
 

The young driver made it clear that returning to Red Bull in the future is not something he's actively thinking about at this stage. “Whatever happens down the line is out of my control. What I can control is the driving stuff,” Lawson said. “Where the future goes, I’m not really thinking about it too much.” Lawson’s professional outlook and mature response to the situation have garnered support from fans and commentators alike. As he prepares for Suzuka—a circuit he knows well—expectations are high that he will seize the opportunity to demonstrate his value in the hyper-competitive world of Formula One. His situation serves as a reminder of the pressure-cooker environment of F1, where young talent is constantly measured, and seats are rarely guaranteed. For Lawson, this weekend's race is more than just another Grand Prix—it’s a proving ground. With the spotlight firmly on him, all eyes will be on Suzuka as Lawson attempts to make his case, not just for a seat today, but a long-term place in Formula One’s elite driver lineup.