Liam Lawson’s Dutch Grand Prix performance proved the decisive proving ground that Formula 1 broadcaster Will Buxton says could have sealed his exit from the sport had he failed.
Liam Lawson being handed the Red Bull seat
After Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar pulled out of the Zandvoort weekend with a wrist injury, Racing Bulls reserve Yuki Tsunoda moved to the sister‑team’s spare car while Lawson, the New Zealander sidelined after just two races in 2025, was called up to partner four‑time champion Max Verstappen.
Will Buxton on the pressure of the moment
Buxton underscored the siege of expectations the driver faced, noting that Lawson had fought to re‑join Red Bull only to find himself released after a brief spell. “The Dutch driver had to confront the weight of proving himself once again, especially after being dropped,” the commentator explained on the “Up To Speed” podcast.
Results that mattered
Lawson qualified eighth—just a slot behind Verstappen—and finished seventh after the Dutchman crashed on the opening lap. Buxton praised the “catharsis” of the weekend, highlighting Lawson’s honest radio message and the driver’s demonstration of what Red Bull could have seen had he stepped aside.
Lawson’s show‑stopper Dutch Grand Prix stands as a pivotal moment that may lock his place with Red Bull across the season.
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