Liam Lawson, a promising New Zealand racing driver, has recently been released from his role at Oracle Red Bull Racing. This move has garnered significant attention within the motorsport community.
Tony Quinn, a prominent figure in New Zealand motorsport and a longstanding supporter of Lawson, has shared his thoughts with Speedcafe on the recent saga.
Tony Quinn and Liam Lawson. Image: Geoff Ridder
“I actually think it’ll be good for him,” said Quinn.
“Carrying on for another event, and if it didn’t work out well, it would be worse for him, I think – I think he’d be f***ing near suicidal, to be quite honest.
“It’s been a lot harder than I think he thought it would be.
“The feel was that, if he didn’t improve by Japan – because in theory, Japan should be good – that he would be replaced with Tsunoda.
“That was the early talk, and that’s obviously what’s happened. But it’s happened an event before we thought.
Liam Lawson with Max Verstappen. Image: Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool
“I think that’s a bit of a surprise because of all the testing he’s done and the simulator stuff, which was pointing in a very positive direction,” Quinn said.
“He would have been getting a phone call every hour with support – meaningful support,” he reasoned.
“He’s a nice kid. Let’s not give up hope on him.
“He’s definitely got the talent; he just needs to have a reboot, and once he gets on the road again, he’ll be fine.”
Liam Lawson’s final race for Oracle Red Bull Racing – The 2025 Chinese Grand Prix. Image: Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool
Quinn, founder of the Tony Quinn Foundation (TQF), has supported Lawson’s ascent in international racing. In January 2022, Lawson became the first international driver to receive a grant from the TQF to aid his Formula 2 campaign. Quinn’s belief in Lawson’s potential was evident when he remarked,
“Liam’s proven to be quite a talent, and he has that special sparkle in his eye.”
The relationship between Quinn and Lawson dates back to 2019 at Highlands Motorsport Park, a circuit owned by Quinn. There, Lawson’s daring overtaking maneuver in damp conditions caught the attention of both Quinn and Red Bull F1 advisor Dr. Helmut Marko, leading to Lawson’s inclusion in the Red Bull Junior program. Reflecting on that moment, Quinn stated,
“When I saw his pass at Highlands in the damp conditions, it was clear he had some serious bollocks!”
Liam Lawson at Highlands Motorsport Park in 2019. Image: Bruce Jenkins / Toyota Gazoo Racing NZ
Lawson’s association with the TQF continued as he served as an ambassador for the foundation. In May 2024, while awaiting a full-time Formula 1 drive, Lawson expressed his gratitude, saying,
“It’s a privilege to be part of the TQF, and I’m extremely grateful for the support they’ve given not only me but so many drivers from New Zealand.”
Tony Quinn commented on a recent experience with Lawson while catching up with him before the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.
“He came to New Zealand over the summer break; we caught up a few times.
“We actually caught up with Liam on the Wednesday before the Australian Grand Prix.
“I’ve lived a very interesting and exciting life, and I’ve met many famous people, celebrities, or whatever you call them.
Liam Lawson with F1 fans. Image: Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool
“But I have never seen… We were with Liam and we were bloody crushed in the excitement with fans, just random fans – I’m talking about just in the hotel and going for a meal.
“It’s the first time I’ve seen that up close. It’s almost like a Hollywood fanaticism. I’ve never seen that before.
“If I reflect on all that stuff, there was so much hype about what he was about to do, or the opportunity he was given and blah, blah, blah, and I think with the poor result in Australia, it’s just taken the wind out of his sail.”
Quinn’s recent comments underscore his unwavering support for Lawson and his disappointment over Red Bull Racing’s original decision-making and handling of the situation. Quinn’s past and present statements reflect a deep belief in Lawson’s capabilities and a hope to see him succeed at the highest levels of motorsport.
The motorsport community is watching closely to see how Lawson will navigate his new role at Red Bull’s junior team, Racing Bulls, at this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix.
Liam Lawson in Racing Bulls attire. Image: Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool
Many people expect him to perform well and perform better than Yuki Tsunoda as he comes to grips with the problematic RB21. Lawson returns to a familiar team and a familiar car that has already shown pace this season and the car Lawson first impressed Red Bull in.
Header Image: Geoff Ridder Credit: Speedcafe for the exclusive interview
Thx Tony for sharing your thoughts. As an ardent supporter of Liam with more reason than most, I value your comments and personal insights. He’s definitely got Charisma in Spades and ‘serious bollicks’, let alone Racing Talent. He will go far, we all know that. Racing Bulls should have been the next step for him, Lord knows why RB chucked him in at the deep end🤔 I believe he would have handled that challenge at RB, all things being equal, but even Max cannot make the car perform to his liking. That speaks volumes. So better for Liam to go to a Team and car he is familiar with whilst RB sort out there serious issues. Thank you for your belief and unwavering support of a Kiwi Racer whom history will celebrate long into the future.
Thx Tony for sharing your thoughts. As an ardent supporter of Liam with more reason than most, I value your comments and personal insights. He’s definitely got Charisma in Spades and ‘serious bollicks’, let alone Racing Talent. He will go far, we all know that. Racing Bulls should have been the next step for him, Lord knows why RB chucked him in at the deep end🤔 I believe he would have handled that challenge at RB, all things being equal, but even Max cannot make the car perform to his liking. That speaks volumes. So better for Liam to go to a Team and car he is familiar with whilst RB sort out there serious issues. Thank you for your belief and unwavering support of a Kiwi Racer whom history will celebrate long into the future.