Christian Horner reveals message to Liam Lawson after early Red Bull misery

Red Bull team principal has revealed what he said to Liam Lawson after his disappointing maiden race weekend with Red Bull. 

Lawson's Australian Grand Prix event began to unravel when he failed to progress beyond the opening qualifying segment on Saturday. 

Red Bull opted to make late changes to the car which saw him start from the pit lane, however progress was difficult as the New Zealander struggled in the wet conditions.

After switching to dry tyres later in the race, his grand prix ended when another downpour resulted in a spin into the barrier.

It immediately raised questions over Lawson's addition to the team after he was promoted in place of Sergio Perez, despite having just 11 grand prix entries to his name.

When asked by Sky F1 what he said to Lawson after the race, Horner said: “I think you've just got to pick yourself up and focus on the positives.

“He had the second fastest race lap. It was just a very difficult weekend, so [it's] sort of turn the page, keep your head down.

“Don’t look on social media and focus on the next race. We believe that he's got the ability, he just needs a bit of time.”

Lawson edged out Tsunoda for the promotion to Red Bull, despite the latter having vast F1 experience in comparison.

Various drivers have struggled alongside Max Verstappen across the last several years, but following Lawson's slow start, Horner defended the decision to promote the 23-year-old.

“It's a tough seat,” Horner said. “He [Verstappen] has been with the team [for] nearly 10 years now. 

“Daniel Ricciardo was a strong teammate for him during the earlier years. Checo [Perez] did a good job from 2021 to 2023. He was second in the world championship in 2023.

“We've got a policy of backing youth and backing young talent. That's why we're giving Liam that opportunity.”

Concerningly, Lawson qualified in last for the first sprint race of the season at the Chinese Grand Prix.