Former Red Bull boss Christian Horner says Kiwi driver Liam Lawson should never have been promoted to the Formula 1 outfit's senior team, and the decision made him "uncomfortable".
Lawson lasted just two races with Red Bull at the start of the 2025 season before being demoted back to the junior Racing Bulls team. Lawson failed to score points in both races and never had a pre-season or a proper season start in F1, with just 11 Grand Prix starts to his name.
Horner, Red Bull's ex-team principal and CEO, reflected on Lawson's tumultuous start to F1 life in his new memoir, admitting the decision to promote the New Zealander made him "uncomfortable". The comments were published by Racing News 365, who had read the book.
He said Lawson's promotion was championed by former motorsport advisor and driver development boss Helmut Marko.
"I felt uncomfortable," Horner wrote. "He was young and inexperienced, with only 11 Formula 1 races to his name, and we would be asking a huge amount from him, and meanwhile, Helmut was playing games.
"Before the final race of the [2024] season in Abu Dhabi, he had informed Liam that he would be driving for Red Bull because of his influence. When I challenged Helmut on this, he typically denied everything."
He said the move back to Racing Bulls was "tough" for Lawson.
"But he really shouldn't have been promoted in the first place."
Horner himself was sacked by Red Bull in mid-2025 amid on-track struggles. The team also faced major personnel losses and an internal power struggle.
Horner had suffered reputational damage over allegations of sexual harassment from a former employee in early 2024. An independent investigation cleared Horner, with an appeal later dismissed.
Lawson bounced back that season, crossing the line with multiple points finishes and finishing 14th.
The 2026 season has been much more fruitful. Lawson has finished most races in the top 10 and is currently leading the grid behind the top four teams in ninth on 75 points.
He made a surprise return to Red Bull earlier this season, driving as a super-sub for the injured Isack Hadjar. It was a solid stint for Lawson, scoring 14 points across three weekends.
He will be looking to continue that form as the series heads to Texas for the United States Grand Prix this weekend.
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