Horner Expresses Concerns Over Lawson's Early Promotion to Red Bull

Christian Horner has expressed his unease about the timing of Liam Lawson's promotion to Red Bull, indicating that the New Zealander advanced too quickly without adequate Formula 1 experience.

Lawson transitioned from Racing Bulls to Red Bull's senior team after a brief stint as a full-time Grand Prix driver. However, he was returned to the sister team when his initial performances alongside Max Verstappen did not meet expectations.

Horner's critique focuses on the timing of the promotion rather than Lawson's capabilities. While Lawson demonstrated speed and adaptability at Racing Bulls, the challenge of driving for Red Bull alongside Verstappen required him to adapt to a complex car under immediate scrutiny. Following his return to Racing Bulls, Lawson has had the chance to improve his performance without the pressure of constant evaluation. Horner's reflections indicate that some within the senior management recognized the risks associated with promoting Lawson at that stage in his career.