Rookie Drivers and the Pressure in Formula One

The paddock has been abuzz with discussions about Liam Lawson’s departure from Red Bull, just before the Japanese Grand Prix. His fellow rookie driver, Jack Doohan, who has also experienced his fair share of pressure, has extended his support to Lawson.

Red Bull’s Decision to Bench Liam Lawson

After the first two Grand Prix weekends in Australia and China, Red Bull decided to move Lawson back down to its sister team, Racing Bulls, as he struggled to meet the expected performance with the RB21. Yuki Tsunoda steps up to take his place alongside Max Verstappen.

The decision from the Milton Keynes outfit has been met with intense scrutiny. Many argue that Lawson should have been given more time, considering his lack of testing, the sprint race weekend in Shanghai, and Verstappen’s feedback on their machinery.

Alpine’s Jack Doohan Supports Liam Lawson

Speaking to the media in Suzuka, Doohan commented on Lawson’s move: “You know, to be honest, it’s difficult to see. And I feel for him. But he’s still in Formula One.” He further added, “I had rumours that I wasn’t even going to drive before I did. I think he’s an extremely talented driver. And for one reason or another, he had a very hard time.

Doohan also addressed the pressure that rookie drivers face in Formula One: “Yeah, it’s a cut-throat sport. And especially in that situation, I don’t want to comment too much on it. But in a top team especially, this is Formula One. It’s a business where they rely on performances and results.

Doohan believes Lawson will be more of a threat at Red Bull than he potentially was at his previous team: “But again, only two races. So it’s a shame. But I think, to be honest, he’s going to be more of a threat at RB than he potentially was at Red Bull.

Doohan concluded by acknowledging the tough nature of driving for Red Bull: “And we know how tough that Red Bull is to drive. So I won’t be commenting any further.