Electric Cars

Liam Lawson's Formula 1 career has been a testament to resilience, transforming from a seemingly deflated prospect to a formidable contender. After being moved to Racing Bulls, a decision some viewed as a demotion, Lawson faced early season hurdles. However, a series of strong performances, particularly since the Monaco Grand Prix, has not only silenced his critics but also reignited discussions about his long-term future within the Red Bull motorsport program. This resurgence highlights his adaptability and determination, crucial attributes for any aspiring F1 driver navigating the sport's intense pressures.

The journey began with Red Bull's advisor, Helmut Marko, emphasizing that Lawson's transfer to Racing Bulls was not a demotion but rather an opportunity within a competitive environment. Marko acknowledged Lawson's initial difficulties, including pre-season testing issues in Bahrain and subsequent struggles in early races, attributing these to a "downward spiral" that needed to be broken to secure his future. This challenging period followed a promising stint in the previous year, where Lawson, stepping in for Daniel Ricciardo, emerged as a strong candidate for a Red Bull seat, despite his limited Grand Prix experience.

The early 2025 season proved particularly tough for Lawson. Failing to reach Q3 or score points in his first five races with Racing Bulls, he lagged behind his teammate Isack Hadjar, who consistently performed well. This disparity, coupled with the rising profile of Red Bull's junior driver Arvid Lindblad in F2, fueled speculation about Lawson's precarious position. Racing Bulls sporting director Alan Permane noted Lawson seemed "downbeat" during this period, struggling to adapt to the car without prior testing.

However, Lawson's narrative began to shift dramatically from the Monaco Grand Prix. While still qualifying behind Hadjar, his improved pace allowed for strategic team play, leading to crucial points. Subsequent car updates, especially to the front suspension, significantly boosted his comfort and confidence. This was evident in his scoring points in Austria, Belgium, and a remarkable performance in Budapest, where he finished ahead of Max Verstappen on a one-stop strategy with a lengthy second stint.

Lawson, while acknowledging external perceptions, maintained that his confidence never wavered, attributing his improved form to minor car adjustments that enhanced his comfort. His consistent speed since the team switch, though initially lacking consistency, has now stabilized, a critical development for his career. This renewed consistency is further underscored by Yuki Tsunoda's recent challenges, who has struggled to score points and often falls behind Lawson in qualifying, despite theoretically having a faster car.

Liam Lawson's renewed competitive edge comes at a pivotal moment for his career. Accumulating 20 points before the summer break, just two shy of Hadjar, he has successfully rebutted the notion that his F1 prospects were beyond recovery. This strong momentum provides a solid foundation for the latter half of 2025, with upcoming races on tracks where he already possesses valuable F1 experience. While a direct return to Red Bull Racing remains uncertain given the team's historical approach to drivers who depart, Lawson's impressive turnaround and Tsunoda's current difficulties present a compelling case for reconsideration. The F1 landscape is ever-changing, and Lawson's determined fight back ensures he remains a key figure in future driver market discussions.

Super Formula, for many years, has been characterized by a strong presence of teams closely aligned with major automotive manufacturers, specifically Toyota and Honda. This dynamic often limited opportunities for independent entities and drivers outside these direct affiliations. However, a significant development is now reshaping this landscape: the emergence of new independent teams and the strategic evolution of existing ones, signaling a potential return to a more balanced and diverse competitive environment.

A notable example of this changing tide is the transformation of TGM Grand Prix. Once a bastion for independent talent, TGM's recent partnership with Toyota has seen it transition into a junior team, primarily focusing on nurturing new recruits for the manufacturer. This shift, while providing financial stability, has inadvertently created a void for independent drivers. Fortunately, the recent announcement of Delightworks Racing entering the Super Formula scene in 2026, coupled with its commitment to a Honda-powered car and the signing of driver Nobuharu Matsushita, offers a fresh beacon of hope. Delightworks Racing, already making waves in Super Formula Lights, demonstrates a robust financial foundation through strategic sponsorships, suggesting a sustainable independent model. Their expressed ambition to expand to a two-car operation further underscores the potential for new avenues for unaligned drivers.

Beyond Delightworks Racing, other teams are also contributing to this independent resurgence. While some, like Rookie Racing, remain deeply integrated with manufacturers, others, such as ThreeBond Racing and the newly formed Triple Tree Racing, operate as fully independent entities. Even hybrid teams like B-Max Racing are actively seeking international drivers to complement their manufacturer-supported lineups. This collective movement, aiming for an expanded grid of 23 cars next year and potentially up to 24 or 25 in the coming years, promises a more vibrant and competitive Super Formula. The series' commitment to maintaining high standards while fostering independent participation ensures a healthy ecosystem that benefits both seasoned international racers and promising new talent.

The evolving landscape in Super Formula is a testament to the enduring spirit of competition and the power of individual initiative within a highly structured sport. It underscores the importance of creating diverse pathways for talent to flourish, ensuring that the sport remains accessible and dynamic. By embracing independent teams, Super Formula not only broadens its competitive appeal but also champions the core values of fair play and opportunity for all participants. This positive trajectory will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of racers and team owners, fostering a more inclusive and exciting future for motorsport.