Here’s a bold statement: Liam Lawson’s F1 career could hinge on one seemingly small but critical habit he needs to break. But here’s where it gets controversial—while the young Kiwi has shown flashes of brilliance, his tendency to exit qualifying in Q1 without understanding why has raised eyebrows. Racing Bulls chief Alan Permane is calling it out, urging Lawson to ‘eliminate’ this ‘inexplicable’ flaw in 2026. Could this be the key to unlocking his full potential?
Lawson’s 2025 season was a rollercoaster. Under Permane’s leadership, the 23-year-old achieved a career-best P5 in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and a stunning P3 in qualifying—moments that left Permane in awe of his ‘genius.’ Yet, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Lawson’s demotion from Red Bull early in the season and his seven Q1 exits (two with Red Bull, five with Racing Bulls) highlight a glaring inconsistency. And this is the part most people miss—while his race performances, like holding off Max Verstappen in Hungary, were impressive, his qualifying struggles could cost him dearly.
Permane, who took over as Racing Bulls team principal in July 2023 after Laurent Mekies’s departure to Red Bull, isn’t mincing words. He told RACER, ‘I see some really, really good stuff [in Lawson], but we need to eliminate those moments where he goes out in Q1 and says, ‘I don’t know what happened.’ It’s not just about lifting his top performances—it’s about erasing the lows.’ Here’s the controversial part: Is Lawson’s inability to diagnose his Q1 exits a skill gap or a mindset issue? Permane believes it’s fixable, but the clock is ticking.
Lawson’s 2025 qualifying record was among the worst on the grid, with only a handful of drivers—like Lance Stroll and Esteban Ocon—faring worse. Even Yuki Tsunoda, who replaced Lawson at Red Bull, matched his seven Q1 exits. Meanwhile, Isack Hadjar, Tsunoda’s replacement for 2026, had just two Q1 exits in his rookie season. Prove me wrong: Can Lawson step up and prove he deserves another shot at Red Bull, or will his qualifying woes hold him back?
Racing Bulls CEO Peter Bayer has echoed Permane’s concerns, urging Lawson to improve his ‘qualifying pace’ in 2026. But is this fair? After all, Lawson’s race craft—like his one-stop strategy in Hungary—has been exceptional. Here’s a thought-provoking question: Should F1 teams prioritize race consistency over qualifying speed, or is single-lap brilliance non-negotiable?
As Lawson prepares for 2026, the pressure is on. Will he rise to the challenge and eliminate this ‘inexplicable’ flaw, or will it define his legacy? Let’s debate this—share your thoughts in the comments. Is Lawson’s qualifying issue a minor hiccup or a major red flag? Your take could spark the next big F1 conversation.
