Verstappen: Red Bull made a mistake by letting Lawson go in '25.

Verstappen: Red Bull made a mistake by letting Lawson go in '25.

      "You're jeopardizing that chance with a leading team."

      Max Verstappen has stated that Red Bull Racing moved too hastily in letting go of Liam Lawson after only two races at the beginning of the 2025 season. "Two races for a teammate, I certainly didn't agree with that at the time," the four-time world champion expressed to Viaplay. Lawson, still a rookie, was elevated to the main team to succeed Sergio Perez but was swiftly returned to Racing Bulls due to his struggles in Australia and China. Verstappen elaborated: "Ultimately, someone is losing their chance. You're forfeiting that opportunity at a top team." He went on to say, "I must acknowledge that Liam has performed well at Racing Bulls. One could also say, 'Just move on, I don't care anymore,' but making a decision after just two races is premature. Ultimately, Yuki (Tsunoda) stepped in, which highlights how challenging it was." While Tsunoda has been completely removed, Lawson will continue with Racing Bulls in 2026 and has embraced the opportunity for a complete winter preparation. With Christian Horner and now Dr. Helmut Marko gone, Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff mentioned that Red Bull's F1 family is now well established regarding their driver lineup. "Two young drivers on the talent team," he noted, referring to Lawson and rookie Arvid Lindblad at Racing Bulls for 2026. "Isack Hadjar is getting an opportunity alongside Max," Mintzlaff added. "This aligns with Red Bull's strategy - we seek out the best talents for the best positions. Overall, I believe we've executed this quite well over the past 21 years."

Verstappen: Red Bull made a mistake by letting Lawson go in '25.

Other articles

Colletta downplays speculation regarding changes in Ferrari F1. Colletta downplays speculation regarding changes in Ferrari F1. Formula 1 | Antonello Colletta, the head of Ferrari's World Endurance Championship, has categorically rejected rumors suggesting he might be in line to take over Frederic's position. Verstappen clarifies the 'number 2' position within Red Bull's hierarchy. Verstappen clarifies the 'number 2' position within Red Bull's hierarchy. Formula 1 | As Isack Hadjar prepares for his debut season with Max Verstappen at Red Bull, the four-time world champion has made it clear what he (...) Vasseur contemplating engineer change for Hamilton. Vasseur contemplating engineer change for Hamilton. Formula 1 | Ferrari chief Frederic Vasseur has candidly recognized that the Scuderia underestimated the extent of Lewis Hamilton's challenges during his difficult (…) It appears that car prices continue to increase, yet one legendary roadster has quietly become more affordable than ever when considering inflation. According to reports, the prices of the NA and NB generations now exceed $39,000 when adjusted for inflation, while the ND generation remains the least expensive option when adjusted. It's well-known that car prices typically don't decrease, and the Mazda MX-5 Miata has certainly followed this trend. When the Miata debuted in 1989 as a 1990 model, it had a starting price of $13,800. Today, purchasing a new model will set you back at least $29,830. Upon closer examination, however, the data suggests a different narrative. A recent study indicates that when adjusted for inflation, the cost of owning a Miata has actually declined over time. Analysis of historical pricing shows that during the NA generation's presence in the U.S. from 1989 to 1997, the price increased gradually from $13,800 to $19,125. The second-generation NB was introduced in 1998 and carried the model into the early 2000s, ultimately reaching a price of $22,098 before transitioning to the NC. The NC started with a base price of $20,435 and concluded its production years at $25,595. Similarly, the current fourth-generation ND began at $25,735 in 2015, with prices rising since then. Nevertheless, when Hagerty adjusted the base price for inflation, it became clear that Miata prices have varied significantly. When adjusted for inflation, the costs of the NA and NB generations exceed $39,000 in today's currency. In contrast, the NC ranges between $32,000 and $36,000, depending on the model year and inflation rates. The latest ND generation is significantly more affordable and has been cheaper than all preceding Miata models in real terms since 2022. This is quite surprising, especially considering that many enthusiasts regard the current ND as the best Miata ever produced. To gain a clearer understanding beyond Hagerty's statistics, we created our own list of original Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRPs) and adjusted them using the official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation calculator. Using the introductory price from the actual debut production year of each generation (not the model year), we adjusted everything to reflect November 2025 dollars. The resulting table facilitates a more straightforward comparison of how the real-world cost of the base model has evolved. What's on the horizon for the MX-5? Mazda is reportedly developing a new generation of the Miata, expected to launch in 2027. Although official information is limited, early reports indicate it will be equipped with the company’s 2.5-liter SkyActiv Z engine, likely producing just over 200 horsepower. Additionally, an interesting aspect is Mazda's target weight. The company aims to keep the next-generation vehicle under 2,205 pounds (1,000 kg), making it lighter than the current ND. It remains to be seen if they can achieve this goal while maintaining the price. It appears that car prices continue to increase, yet one legendary roadster has quietly become more affordable than ever when considering inflation. According to reports, the prices of the NA and NB generations now exceed $39,000 when adjusted for inflation, while the ND generation remains the least expensive option when adjusted. It's well-known that car prices typically don't decrease, and the Mazda MX-5 Miata has certainly followed this trend. When the Miata debuted in 1989 as a 1990 model, it had a starting price of $13,800. Today, purchasing a new model will set you back at least $29,830. Upon closer examination, however, the data suggests a different narrative. A recent study indicates that when adjusted for inflation, the cost of owning a Miata has actually declined over time. Analysis of historical pricing shows that during the NA generation's presence in the U.S. from 1989 to 1997, the price increased gradually from $13,800 to $19,125. The second-generation NB was introduced in 1998 and carried the model into the early 2000s, ultimately reaching a price of $22,098 before transitioning to the NC. The NC started with a base price of $20,435 and concluded its production years at $25,595. Similarly, the current fourth-generation ND began at $25,735 in 2015, with prices rising since then. Nevertheless, when Hagerty adjusted the base price for inflation, it became clear that Miata prices have varied significantly. When adjusted for inflation, the costs of the NA and NB generations exceed $39,000 in today's currency. In contrast, the NC ranges between $32,000 and $36,000, depending on the model year and inflation rates. The latest ND generation is significantly more affordable and has been cheaper than all preceding Miata models in real terms since 2022. This is quite surprising, especially considering that many enthusiasts regard the current ND as the best Miata ever produced. To gain a clearer understanding beyond Hagerty's statistics, we created our own list of original Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRPs) and adjusted them using the official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation calculator. Using the introductory price from the actual debut production year of each generation (not the model year), we adjusted everything to reflect November 2025 dollars. The resulting table facilitates a more straightforward comparison of how the real-world cost of the base model has evolved. What's on the horizon for the MX-5? Mazda is reportedly developing a new generation of the Miata, expected to launch in 2027. Although official information is limited, early reports indicate it will be equipped with the company’s 2.5-liter SkyActiv Z engine, likely producing just over 200 horsepower. Additionally, an interesting aspect is Mazda's target weight. The company aims to keep the next-generation vehicle under 2,205 pounds (1,000 kg), making it lighter than the current ND. It remains to be seen if they can achieve this goal while maintaining the price. Waymo's self-driving taxis are engineered to handle unexpected situations, but the recent power outage in San Francisco proved to be overwhelming for them. Germany remains in anticipation as Domenicali dampens hopes for a return. Germany remains in anticipation as Domenicali dampens hopes for a return. Formula 1 | The CEO of Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali, has tempered hopes for a quick return of the German Grand Prix, cautioning that the event will not be rushed back. The controversy regarding F1 engines intensifies, with the FIA considering a one-year compromise. The controversy regarding F1 engines intensifies, with the FIA considering a one-year compromise. Formula 1 | The controversy surrounding the 2026 power unit has escalated as accusations suggest that Mercedes isn't the only one taking advantage of a possible loophole, though it may still come out as (…)

Verstappen: Red Bull made a mistake by letting Lawson go in '25.

Formula 1 | Max Verstappen believes that Red Bull Racing moved too hastily in letting go of Liam Lawson after only two races at the beginning of the 2025 season. Two (...)