Lawson 'axed over self-confidence'

HELMUT Marko says Liam Lawson's damaged self-confidence is the reason he was axed after just two races but insists his replacement Yuki Tsunoda will be given until the end of the season to prove himself.

- Scott Hunt

Lawson was promoted from Racing Bulls, ahead of Tsunoda, to replace Sergio Perez for the 2025 season after just 11 races in Formula One.

But he crashed out on his Red Bull debut in Melbourne before qualifying last for both the sprint and the main event in China - going on to finish 12th in the race.

The New Zealander has been sent back to Racing Bulls and Tsunoda - who has been at the junior team since 2021 - will step up to partner world champion Max Verstappen at Red Bull ahead of his home race in Japan on April 6.

Marko, 81, admits the Red Bull car is "difficult to drive" but says Lawson's confidence was beyond repair.