NASCAR driver Parker Kligerman hits back at Liam Lawson pressure

NASCAR driver Parker Kligerman has hit out at the external pressure being put on Red Bull driver Liam Lawson.

After just one race of the 2025 Formula 1 season, there has already been talk amongst fans that the New Zealander could be replaced at the Milton Keynes outfit by Yuki Tsunoda. 

In the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, Lawson crashed on lap 47, ending his race. Adding fuel to the fire, the Kiwi has qualified in 20th for the Chinese sprint race.

Red Bull decided to part ways with Mexican driver Sergio Perez at the end of 2024, leaving a coveted spot open alongside four-time champion Verstappen. After deliberating between Tsunoda and Lawson, the team opted to promote the latter despite less experience.

This, unsurprisingly, led to some backlash amongst fans. As the Japanese driver embarks on his fifth series with the sister team, many argue that he has earned his place in the Red Bull squad. 

Responding to a post on social media asking, “How soon could Red Bull switch Liam Lawson for Yuki Tsunoda?” NASCAR driver Parker Kligerman argued:

“The guy has done 1 race for the team. 1 race.”

The 34-year-old, who currently competes part-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for Hendrick Motorsports, added:

“Being a Red Bull driver not named Max, must be the ultimate test of mental fortitude in professional sports.”

Clarifying why the team decided to promote Lawson, Horner previously explained:

“I think the feeling within the team is that the trajectory Liam is on has more potential, which is why we’ve taken that route.

“But that doesn’t rule Yuki out in the future – it was a very split decision and Yuki certainly impressed the team when he tested in Abu Dhabi. 

“His feedback was good and, if required, he would be there to be drawn upon if we needed to. 

“We have a lot of information available to us, and 11 races is a short amount of time, but if you delve closely into [Liam’s] performances in qualifying, the margins to Yuki were very tight, and on race pace, he’s come out, on average, above Yuki. 

“There is very little to choose between them, but when you look and consider that Liam is still only 11 races and already at that level, the potential for growth is still significant.”