Liam Lawson’s heartbreaking Instagram post after Red Bull axing

Formula 1 rookie Liam Lawson has made a heartbreaking reveal in the wake of his bombshell sacking from Red Bull after only two races.

Liam Lawson's heartbreaking Insta post.

Liam Lawson has opened up with a heartbreaking Instagram post in the wake of his bombshell Red Bull axing.

The 23-year-old New Zealand driver was officially dropped by Red Bull on Thursday (AEDT) after only two races in the seat.

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Yuki Tsunoda will replace Lawson who will see out the season at Racing Bulls, returning to the team at which he started 11 grands prix prior to his promotion this season.

Rumours of the brutal driver swap began to circulate shortly after the Chinese Grand Prix with the team confirming the news days later.

Lawson took to Instagram on Friday morning, posting photos of him as a kid dreaming of being a driver for Red Bull.

“Being a @redbullracing driver has been my dream since I was a kid, it’s what I’ve worked towards my whole life,” Lawson wrote on Instagram.

“It’s tough, but I’m grateful for everything that’s brought me to this point. To every one of you who’s stood by me, thank you for all the support it means the world.

“Thank you @visacashapprb for the warm welcome, I’m excited and ready to go to work at one of my favourite places.”

Lawson shared his childhood dream. Credit: Instagram/LiamLawson30

Lawson dreamt of being a Red Bull driver. Credit: Instagram/LiamLawson30

His dream was crushed after two races. (Photo by Kym Illman/Getty Images)

Lawson struggled during two race weekends before his tenure at Red Bull was cut short.

“It has been difficult to see Liam struggle with the RB21 at the first two races, and as a result we have collectively taken the decision to make an early switch,” Red Bull Racing principal Christian Horner said.

“We have a duty of care to protect and develop Liam, and together we see that after such a difficult start it makes sense to act quickly so Liam can gain experience as he continues his F1 career with Racing Bulls, an environment and a team he knows very well.”

The move to promote Tsunoda in his place is a backflip for the senior Red Bull-backed team, the Japanese ace having never loomed large on Horner’s radar as a viable teammate for Verstappen until the team lost faith in Lawson’s potential.

Lawson is out. (Photo by FADEL SENNA / AFP)

Horner said he hoped Tsunoda, who is in his fifth season, could help the team move forward.

“We came into the 2025 season with two ambitions: to retain the world drivers championship and to reclaim the world constructors title, and this is a purely sporting decision,” he said.

“We acknowledge there is a lot of work to be done with the RB21, and Yuki’s experience will prove highly beneficial in helping to develop the current car.

“We welcome him to the team and are looking forward to seeing him behind the wheel of the RB21.”

Racing Bulls principal Laurent Mekies said he was pleased to see Tsunoda finally earn his promotion to the senior team.

“We’re incredibly proud of Yuki earning his well-deserved move to Red Bull Racing,” he said. “His progress last year, and more recently from the very start of 2025, has been nothing less than sensational.

Tsunoda has been promoted ahead of his home Grand Prix. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)

“Personally and collectively it has been an immense privilege to witness those progresses for all of us in Faenza and in Milton Keynes.

“Yuki’s energy and positivity has lightened up every corner of our factories and of our garage, and he will always be a Racing Bull.

“We wish him all the success he deserves at RBR.”

Mekies said his team would provide Lawson with an environment in which he could rebuild his confidence and recapture some of the form that proved so enticing for Red Bull Racing late last year.

“Everyone here at VCARB is looking forward to working hard with Liam to give him the best environment possible for him to shine in our car and to express the talent we all know he has,” he said.

“He fit in so well last year, and we cannot wait to challenge ourselves and grow as a team.

“With Isack (Hadjar) having started so strongly with us already, we know we have a young and strong line-up.”

Originally published as Liam Lawson’s heartbreaking Instagram post after Red Bull axing