Red Bull warn Liam Lawson: 'We can't compete one-legged'

Christian Horner has made it clear to Liam Lawson that Red Bull cannot compete "one-legged" following a wretched start to his time with the team.

Lawson has endured two miserable weekends in Australia and China so far following his promotion from Racing Bulls over the winter, and the pressure is already on him to retain his seat.

The New Zealander has started both races from the pit lane after failing to escape Q1, making it a hat-trick of early qualifying exits after also missing out in SQ1 ahead of the Sprint at the Shanghai International Circuit.

After crashing out at Melbourne's Albert Park in the wet, Lawson at least saw the chequered flag in China by finishing 15th.

For Red Bull to challenge for the constructors' championship, however, it needs both drivers in the points, and Lawson to also aid Max Verstappen in his quest for a fifth consecutive drivers' crown.

"Liam is a great little racer," said Horner, speaking to Sky Sports F1. "He gets his elbows out. He races hard. He's just struggling at the moment to find the limit with this car, to get the most out of it.

"Of course, as a team, as a group, we're looking to support him in the best way we can."

Pressure building on Lawson

Over time, Red Bull has delivered a car that predominantly suits Verstappen's driving style, with any team-mate then asked to compensate.

It has become clear the RB21 is a difficult car to drive, even for Verstappen. At this stage, Red Bull is faced with a challenge in how to make it easier for both drivers and with Lawson needing to get to grips sooner rather than later.

"You're always going for ultimate performance, and fast cars are never easy cars to drive," added Horner.

"We know there's performance that we need to find, and we need both drivers up there if there's to be any chance of fighting for a constructors' championship.

"And at the very least, with the drivers championship as well, you need to have a second car in play. You can't just do it one-legged.

"We want, as a team, collectively, to make sure that we're getting the best out of both drivers and getting both cars as far up the grid as we can."

As to how much time Lawson will be given, whilst not answering directly, the inference is clear.

"Formula 1 is a pressure business, isn't it," he said. "There's always time pressure, and he knows that. Hopefully, he'll respond accordingly, and we'll see where we go."