Lawson feels "a bit down" following the Red Bull ordeal - CEO

      "I believe it took him some time to process."

      Liam Lawson felt "a bit sad" following his difficult experience with Red Bull Racing. This was revealed by Racing Bulls CEO Peter Bayer, even though Lawson declared this weekend that "nothing has changed" in his confidence after having a tough time driving the 2025 Red Bull. CEO Oliver Mintzlaff of the energy drink company, during the Jeddah weekend, defended the choice to remove Lawson, 23, and return him to the junior F1 team, despite the criticism regarding the harshness of the demotion within the paddock. "I understand that and consider it justified," Mintzlaff told Bild newspaper. "Nonetheless, it was the correct decision. Formula 1 is a high-performance sport, and his performance wasn’t adequate. Keeping Liam in the car would have been a mistake. We wouldn’t have done him any favors with the mounting pressure. He ultimately came to understand and accept that as well. We’re pleased to have him back with the Racing Bulls," the German CEO added. However, Racing Bulls CEO Bayer acknowledged that Lawson’s tough experience left him feeling somewhat shaken. "I think it took him a while to digest," he said in Saudi Arabia. "The first time I saw him upon his return to Italy, he appeared a bit sad. Honestly, that’s how I perceived him. He was somewhat troubled by everything that had transpired so quickly. But at the same time, he was familiar with the people, the tools, and the organization. I truly felt that he quickly became the old Liam again. He’s an excellent driver with a fantastic sense of humor, and that’s what we’re noticing from him now," Bayer added.