Lawson Denies 'Ghosts' Haunting Red Bull F1 Narrative

Liam Lawson has dismissed the notion that he needed to banish 'ghosts' from his Red Bull past to prove himself in Formula 1. The Kiwi driver is now performing consistently with Racing Bulls and insists his focus is firmly on the future, not past disappointments.

Lawson first entered F1 at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix, replacing an injured Daniel Ricciardo. His debut immediately grabbed attention, especially when he scored his first points at the demanding Singapore Grand Prix. His impressive performance, which included eliminating Max Verstappen in Q2, earned him a promotion to Red Bull Racing in late 2024. However, his tenure at the top team lasted only two pointless rounds before being replaced by Yuki Tsunoda.

Asked by PlanetF1 whether his 2026 season had put the 'ghosts' of his Red Bull stint to bed, Lawson replied casually: "Honestly, no, not really. I haven't thought too much about what people thought last year. I'm very focused on where I am now, making sure I have a good season."

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Lawson admitted he doesn't dwell on his brief time at Red Bull. He believes it's more for the media to judge, while he prefers to concentrate on performance. "It's not really something I think about now," he stated.

The 2026 season has indeed showcased Lawson's resurgence. The 24-year-old sits ninth in the standings with 43 points, demonstrating the consistency that was once missing. "I didn't really have a ghost of last year. I had a tough season, but I learned a huge amount. I've come out as a much stronger driver and person," he explained.

Lawson added that he tries to use all that experience each week. "However people view it is up to them. I'm here to have a good season," he concluded. His strong performances amid the fierce midfield battle prove he deserves his place in F1.