Liam Lawson addresses F1 pressure: ‘Nothing can prepare you’

Liam Lawson has detailed the high pressure that comes with a seat in F1, stating there is little drivers can do to prepare for the jump.

Lawson took part in his first full season on the grid last year following substitute stints in 2023 and 2024.

The 23-year-old commenced the year with a drive at Red Bull but found himself demoted back to the sister team after a disappointing opening two rounds.

This year, he will be joined by rookie Arvid Lindblad, who has made the step up from Formula 2.

When asked if Lindblad's arrival places added pressure on the New Zealander, Lawson said: “I don’t think so. Maybe there’s more of a leadership role expected but at the same time, it’s a new year with new cars.

“It’s my second year in F1, I’ve learned a huge amount in the one year that I’ve done.

“I’m definitely grateful going into this season with everything I’ve learned last year. But with new cars, it’s something that’s going we’re going to be tackling together.”

Lawson experienced various highs and lows throughout his first full season, but did enough to retain his drive for the 2026 campaign.

Addressing the pressure that comes with fighting for his spot on the grid, Lawson stated: “It’s something that I was exposed to from a young age. 

“There’s a little bit more from Red Bull, when I signed with them at a young age, they put you under their pressure and almost prepare you for F1.

“It is huge, it’s massively different in F1. I don’t think anything can prepare you for the actual pressure of being in F1.

“But you don’t have time to think about it. If you have a bad weekend you have one or two days to get over it and you move on.”