Lawson wary of Red Bull axe after abject season start

Liam Lawson is wary of losing his Red Bull F1 seat following another dismal grand prix weekend.

In China, Lawson qualified slowest for the sprint and grand prix, and although forward progress was made, he failed to score any points, following on from his point-less weekend on his debut for the team in Australia, where he crashed out. 

Lawson has struggled to match team-mate Max Verstappen, who has 36 points to his name. It has led to speculation Yuki Tsunoda could replace him for the next race in Japan. Tsunoda has said he would be "100%" ready to step up from Racing Bulls if required.

For Lawson, there is now a two-week gap before the Japanese GP, the first track this season on which he has experience after previously competing in Super Formula.

"I don't have time to test the car and get used to it, but we are in the season already, and in each race we are losing points. That is what I mean when I said I don't have time," Lawson told media including RacingNews365.

"But I am not stupid. I know that I'm here to perform, and if I'm not doing that, I'm not going to be around, so I am just focused on getting used to the car as quickly as I can. 

"We're not happy, none of us are happy, I don't know what more you want me to say."

When then asked if he would be faster in the Racing Bulls machine, Lawson simply responded: "I don't think that matters, honestly, I need to be fast in this car."

Lawson was also presented with Tsunoda's comments about potentially stepping up to Red Bull, snapping back at his former team-mate. 

"He can honestly say whatever he wants," Lawson added. "I've raced him for years, raced him in the junior categories, and beat him, and I did in F1 as well.

"So he can say whatever he wants, but it is obviously extremely tough. It is not something I am enjoying, and I'm honestly working as hard as I can."