Is Liam Lawson on Borrowed Time at Racing Bulls? Montoya Thinks So

Things move fast in Formula 1—just ask Liam Lawson.

The Kiwi, who once looked poised to lock down a long-term future within the Red Bull family, is now staring down the barrel of a potential mid-season exit from Racing Bulls. And it’s not just media whispers—Juan Pablo Montoya, a former F1 race winner, has gone on record saying he “wouldn’t be surprised” if Lawson gets the boot in favour of 17-year-old rising star Arvid Lindblad.

Lawson's demotion from Red Bull back to Racing Bulls this season already raised eyebrows. Now, he’s being outshone by rookie teammate Isack Hadjar, and the pressure is clearly mounting. Montoya believes Lawson’s struggles might not be about talent but confidence—calling the Red Bull exit a “strong blow to his liver” and suggesting the 23-year-old needs “a lot of psychological treatment.”

Harsh? Maybe. But not out of character for the ruthless Red Bull system.

Liam Lawson is still under pressure

ndblad, meanwhile, has been on a tear in F2 and has already locked in the required super licence points—despite still being underage for an F1 race seat. His debut might hinge on whether the FIA is willing to bend the age rule before his 18th birthday in August, but if Lawson continues to falter, the call might come sooner rather than later.

Montoya even likened the situation at Racing Bulls to what’s currently unfolding at Alpine, where Jack Doohan recently lost his seat in favour of rising star Franco Colapinto’s five-race audition. Just like Red Bull, Alpine seems to be prioritising momentum and potential over experience—and that’s a worrying precedent for drivers struggling to find their rhythm.

With Ayumu Iwasa also waiting in the wings, Lawson doesn’t just need to hold his ground—he needs to impress. And fast.

---

Want more F1 updates like this?

Subscribe to the Pole Position Experiences Newsletter for regular Grand Prix news, insider commentary, and luxury F1 travel packages for the 2025 season and beyond.