Liam Lawson delivers shock final four-letter verdict on Red Bull nightmare

Liam Lawson has delivered a damning judgment on his ill-fated stay with Red Bull after recently securing his F1 future.

Lawson spent two grands prix with Red Bull at the start of the season after replacing Sergio Perez over the winter in the hot seat as Max Verstappen's team-mate.

Although Lawson's results and performances were underwhelming, crashing out in the wet in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix before finishing 12th in the following race in China, he was barely given a chance to prove himself.

Red Bull then took the immediate decision to demote Lawson to Racing Bulls and hand Yuki Tsunoda the opportunity he had long craved after more than four years of waiting for his big break with Red Bull.

Although Lawson struggled initially on his return to the team, he found his footing, finishing the season with seven points-scoring finishes in the final 17 grands prix.

In between the last two of those in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, it was confirmed that Lawson had retained his seat with Racing Bulls for 2026.

Following the final race at the Yas Marina Circuit on Sunday, speaking to the media, and asked by RacingNews365 as to whether he was relieved the season was over, he replied: "It's been a tough year.

"It's one that I'll definitely spend some time reflecting on in the break because I haven't really done that yet.

"I'll take all the learnings into next year. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have another go, and I'll try to make it a better year."

Reflecting on just how tough it was, Lawson pulled no punches on his miserable stint with Red Bull.

"It feels like so long ago, to be honest," said Lawson. "I don't even remember that much of it. It was a very shit time, honestly.

"It's something I'll reflect on. I just haven't done it yet. It's been such a busy season.

"It's something I'll learn from, but most importantly, obviously, surviving this year and having another opportunity next year was the main target."