Marko calls for step up in Liam Lawson performance after challenging Chinese GP sprint race

Following a difficult Chinese Grand Prix sprint race for Red Bull driver Liam Lawson, team advisor Helmut Marko offered measured praise for the young driver who finished 14th. Marko highlighted the need for better qualifying performances, saying he expects more as pressure builds around Lawson.

After watching Lawson climb six places from the very back of the grid in Shanghai, Marko has outlined the expectations of the driver as his performance faces increased scrutiny. 

“I think he drove a solid race,” he told Motorsport.com. “It was difficult. It was overtaking, but he showed this is a tough race – who was it [he had contact with]? Doohan ? And yeah, I hope now his qualifying is working—that he starts where he should be in the Q3—and then he can work for points.”

The Austrian is clearly disappointed in his poor qualifying performances so far this season with the driver failing to make it past Q1 in Australia as well. In comparison, his team-mate qualified third on the grid. Prior to the season, Marko was clear in his expectations for Lawson’s performance. 

“He should be within three-tenths of Max in both qualifying and in the race,” Marko explained to RTL.

“That should be enough to get points for the Constructors’ Championship. He should also steadily increase his performance – if possible.”

This benchmark was deemed sufficient, especially after Sergio Perez fell short in 2024, finishing the season 285 points behind Verstappen. 

The pressure on Lawson is now intense. As a driver in his first full season, the expectations surrounding him as a Red Bull driver are high, and there is a well-performing driver in the Racing Bulls team waiting to take his seat off his hands in the shape of Yuki Tsunoda. 

This weekend, the Japanese driver qualified P6 for the sprint, maintaining that position throughout the race. This performance has certainly improved his chances.

“Yuki is a different Yuki from the years before,” Marko continued. “Obviously he changed his management and so he has a different approach. He’s more mature. Took a while, but now it looks [like] it is working.”

Marko added that the Japanese driver “should focus on his driving,” instead of focusing on the Red Bull seat.