Returning to Racing Bulls after a tumultuous start to his 2025 F1 season, Liam Lawson reflected on the similarities and differences between the Red Bull and the Visa Cash App RB, ahead of the 2025 Saudi Arabian GP. After spending just two races at Red Bull Racing, Lawson admitted he is readjusting to the VCARB 02 following his shock demotion to Racing Bulls.
Comparing the operating window between the two cars
Following comments made by Tsunoda in Bahrain regarding the Red Bull’s narrow operating window, Lawson agreed that VCARB accommodates for wider flexibility compared to the Red Bull. In saying that, he admits finding the sweet spot in the RB21 not only comes from car setup. Instead he also mentioned the need to implement a slightly different driving style to the VCARB. In his interview on media day in Saudi Arabia he admitted that it was more of a challenge to drive the Red Bull, citing the driving techniques required by the car.
“I think it’s true…I always said that the operating window is probably bigger in this car than it is in the Red Bull. And that basically, yeah, that maybe sweet spot is quite hard, but that also comes from the driving as well as the set-up, trying to put a lap together in that car is a little bit more tricky, just with how the car responds. But yeah, otherwise, being different cars, they just drive differently as well, and they require slightly different driving, I guess, techniques.”
Nevertheless, despite the RB having a greater operating window, the young Kiwi driver admitted that both cars demanded the same level of endeavour in chasing the optimal setup. He emphasised that the commitment to fine-tuning the car remained consistent regardless of the machinery.
“I think we’re always chasing set-up in every car, and between every session we’re always fine-tuning things and adjusting balance. I think behind the wheel as well with tools, probably just as active between both cars, trying to get an optimal balance over a lap, but they just drive differently, slightly differently.”
Responding to claims that the Red Bull struggles to correlate performance from factory to track, Lawson vocalised the general difficulties being thrown at the teams this year. Defending the simulations back at the factory, he explained how the variable conditions have made the races hard to predict across this season.
“I think, to be honest, it feels like a little bit of a tricky year with tyres, with setup. I think warm-up, we’ve had very different conditions. We went from Japan being very cold to Bahrain being very hot.”
“And when you’re trying to build a tyre up in the perfect way, that’s a completely unique thing to work on. And you can’t really simulate that in a simulator. So you’re faced with a lot more real-life conditions that you’re not going to simulate. And I think this year, that stuff that we maybe don’t simulate has been more of a challenge than in past years.”
Confidence in readjusting to his old car
Conceding to his lacklustre performances in Japan and Bahrain, Lawson admitted he is still finding his feet in the VCARB. Although, in underscoring it’s similarities to last year, he provided hope for his ability to get up to speed in the near future.
“Yeah, I mean, just getting more comfortable each day I drive it. I think obviously in ways I’m just readjusting, because it’s not too different from last year. So I went and drove a different car, and I’m just getting used to driving the car that I was driving before that.”
Despite his teething problems, Lawson pointed towards the unexpected conditions in Bahrain, reassuring that he is comfortable in his old car.
“Everybody rolled out qualifying and I think struggled massively from what we were expecting. With the conditions, we expected it probably to be a bit easier to drive, being cooler from P3. But in reality, it was actually a really difficult session for a lot of people.”
“So it’s, yeah, I think Bahrain I was honestly pretty happy with how I was in the car. I was obviously pretty disappointed not to show that speed during the weekend with our quality issues and the race as it was. But I think for me, comfort-wise in the car, I feel quite good.”
Mentality
Divulging into the effect of his dramatic departure from Red Bull, he asserts that he remains as confident as ever.
“Honestly, I don’t think confidence-wise, nothing really changed from the start of the year. I didn’t spend anywhere near enough time for me to reflect on those two races and go, “Oh my God, I’ve really struggled in this car. I’ve lost my ability.” It wasn’t really like that. But I did two races that were two very messy weekends from a lot of factors. So I think confidence-wise, that didn’t really change.”
Assuring his ability to move forward, he further maintained how his primary focus is targeted towards readjusting to the team again.
“It’s just been getting used to a new car again and the team and trying to do all that as quickly as possible. And I think that’s really been where the focus is at. Yeah, I think confidence-wise, I feel honestly as I always have.”
Looking to Miami
Ending the triple header in Jeddah, the New Zealander opened up about how he plans on resetting ahead of the Miami GP. After a whirlwind of a month, he is looking forward to taking a break to regroup for the season.
“Yeah, it’s been a hectic couple of weeks. Since before the switch, doing the switch and then going racing. It’ll be nice to have a bit of rest time to just, I guess, regroup everything. Me personally and for us with the team as well.”
