Liam Lawson’s Red Bull Promotion and FIA President Under Fire: A Tumultuous Time in Formula 1

The Formula 1 landscape is abuzz with significant changes and controversies that have shaken the paddock. Liam Lawson’s promotion to Red Bull Racing as Max Verstappen’s teammate for the 2025 season has sparked excitement and speculation, while FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem faces relentless criticism for his controversial leadership style. Adding fuel to the fire, George Russell has stirred debate with his comments questioning the merit of Verstappen’s 2024 championship victory.

The announcement of Liam Lawson stepping into the senior Red Bull Racing team marks a pivotal moment in the young driver’s career. At just 22 years old, Lawson’s journey from Red Bull’s junior program to the main stage comes with high expectations. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, however, has been unequivocal in setting the tone for the upcoming season. While acknowledging Lawson’s talent, Horner reinforced that Verstappen remains the team’s undisputed number one driver, emphasizing a strategic dynamic designed to maximize team harmony.

“Max is our lead driver,” Horner stated, adding that Lawson’s role is to complement Verstappen’s efforts rather than compete with him directly. This approach, he explained, avoids the internal friction seen in teams that pair equally matched drivers. Instead, Red Bull is focusing on maintaining a cohesive and efficient unit to face the intense competition expected in 2025. With Ferrari fielding Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, and McLaren banking on Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, Red Bull aims to ensure their lineup is primed for another championship battle.

Behind the scenes, Lawson’s promotion reflects not just Horner’s vision but also the influence of Red Bull shareholders, signaling a shift toward a younger, future-focused roster. Helmet Marko, a long-serving adviser, revealed that amicable negotiations with Sergio Perez ultimately gave way to a broader strategic plan. For Lawson, the move is as much a challenge as it is an opportunity. The New Zealander exuded confidence, calling his new role a chance to grow and learn from one of the sport’s greatest talents.

Meanwhile, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem is facing mounting pressure to resign amidst accusations of dismissive behavior and questionable decisions. A recent letter from the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) criticized the FIA’s lack of transparency and its fixation on trivial regulations, such as jewelry bans and fireproof underwear, over more pressing issues. Ben Sulayem’s blunt response—“none of their business”—has only exacerbated tensions, with former drivers and team bosses condemning his approach.

David Coulthard, a one-time F1 race winner, labeled the FIA president’s attitude as condescending, stating, “Drivers at this level deserve respect, not dismissal.” Former team boss Eddie Jordan echoed these sentiments, urging Ben Sulayem to engage in meaningful dialogue with drivers rather than create standoffs. With an election looming in 2025, critics warn that the FIA’s credibility is at stake if its leadership fails to address the growing discontent within the paddock.

Adding to the drama, Mercedes driver George Russell has questioned the legitimacy of Verstappen’s 2024 championship, arguing that the Dutchman benefited more from his rivals’ mistakes than from outright dominance. While acknowledging Verstappen’s skill and consistency, Russell suggested that Red Bull’s mid-season struggles and the inability of competitors to capitalize on opportunities played a significant role in the title outcome.

“Max shouldn’t have won the championship this year, but others made too many errors,” Russell claimed. Pointing to Verstappen’s solitary win in the latter half of the season, he highlighted that even the most exceptional drivers are ultimately at the mercy of their machinery. His comments reflect a broader sentiment that the 2024 season was marked by fluctuating team performances, leaving room for speculation about what 2025 might bring.

As the dust settles, Formula 1 finds itself at a crossroads, with young talents like Lawson stepping into the spotlight and longstanding figures like Ben Sulayem facing calls for accountability. The narratives shaping the sport today promise to set the stage for an intense and transformative 2025 season. Fans and stakeholders alike will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold, as the sport navigates both on-track rivalries and off-track controversies.