Liam Lawson admits he was surprised he returned to the Racing Bulls prior to the Japanese Grand Prix, and believes his greatest profit is staying at Red Bull.
With two tough races to begin the season, Red Bull made changes to the shock driver last week. Lawson swapped seats with Yuki Tsunoda, who was promoted for his greater experience. One reason given to him by team principal Christian Horner was that Red Bull “has a duty of care to protect and develop Liam,” but when those comments were placed on Lawson by racers, he said he had a different view.
“I don’t think that’s much different to my confidence,” Lawson said. “We all have enough self-belief to be here and make it in Formula 1. If you don’t have that self-belief, it’s going to be very difficult.
“What is that doing for me… obviously, it’s the best opportunity to feel like it’s Red Bull Race. That’s where we’re all working on, and that’s what I’ve been working on since joining the 16-year-old junior program.
Speculation about Lawson’s future began on China’s Grand Prix weekend, but the New Zealander claims he was not given the impression he could quickly replace.
“No, I didn’t know about it in China,” he said. “I think it was a decision, Monday or Tuesday after that. I basically found China after that. So it was, so I think it’s probably more unexpected for all of us, but that was after the weekend.
“It was more finished. I say. I left China… I started preparing for Japan. I basically called by saying this was going to happen.
“I think I was even more surprised. Obviously, it was very early in the season and I was hoping to go to the track I raced before and have a clean weekend with that opportunity.
“So it was tough to listen, but I had a day or two to think about it. And I started preparing VCARBs and starting Seat Fits and I was in Fenza, and you’re basically focused on work.
“I’m excited to be here on this occasion. It’s obviously a strong start to the season for this team. I think it’s exciting for VCARB to be here in this position.”
Lawson’s relegation came after the 23-year-old truck after smashing pre-season in Australia, reliability issues in practice, and sprint weekends in China. He does not believe that these technical issues were considered in the decision to replace him.
“In Formula 1, it’s motorsports and there’s a problem,” he said. “It’s especially part of these cars that are pushing restrictions like these cars, and I think we wanted it to be more considered.
“Melbourne and China are both tough tracks. They weren’t the smoothest on weekends. But it’s motorsport and like I said, my decision wasn’t mine, but I’ll make the most of this.”