Liam Lawson involved in awkward ‘shirt change’ moment with Netflix crews after Red Bull demotion

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Liam Lawson carried out some of his Drive to Survive interviews in Red Bull gear even after his demotion to Racing Bulls, it has emerged. Lawson’s axe is one of the main storylines in the new season.

The New Zealander lasted just two Grand Prix weekends with Red Bull after replacing Sergio Perez. He then returned to the de facto junior team, with Yuki Tsunoda replacing him for the remainder of the season.

Asked about the decision in Drive to Survive, Christian Horner points to Helmut Marko as the driving force. While it was one of the most ruthless calls in recent F1 history, it arguably benefited Lawson’s career.

Prove me wrong: Liam Lawson can show he deserves another chance at Red Bull

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The New Zealander rebuilt his form in a more compliant car at Racing Bulls, outscoring Tsunoda in the notoriously tricky Red Bull. He kept his spot on the grid for 2026 while the Japanese driver dropped out.

Netflix made Liam Lawson do interviews in Red Bull gear even after demotion to Racing Bulls

Over the course of the season, drivers are obliged to carry out several interviews with the Netflix crews. While they may sound like they’re providing immediate reactions, they are often asked about events that took place multiple rounds prior.

In order to maintain continuity, Lawson had to conduct at least one interview in Red Bull gear after he had lost the seat. More casual viewers would otherwise have been confused by the abrupt change to Racing Bulls teamwear.

• READ MORE: Drive to Survive shows Liam Lawson’s dismay after Red Bull were booed at F1 launch event

As reported by The Athletic, the show features the precise moment where Netflix crews ask Lawson to do ‘the shirt change’, and he returns in the colours of the Faenza team.

It could be argued that including this footage in the final cut was a little disrespectful to Lawson, but by this point, the drivers are well aware of what participation entails.

Jolyon Palmer’s concerns about Liam Lawson are justified

If Lawson was at a disadvantage last year compared to Isack Hadjar, who enjoyed a full pre-season at Racing Bulls, he will be expected to lead the team in 2026.

He is now joined in the garage by 18-year-old Arvid Lindblad, the only rookie on the grid and a direct graduate from Formula 3.

Jolyon Palmer is concerned about Racing Bulls relying on Lawson because he still isn’t particularly experienced. With 35 starts overall, he still hasn’t completed 1.5 seasons.

Team principal Alan Permane has no doubt about Lawson’s ‘talent’ but has called for him to show greater consistency this year as he once again fights to cement his place in the sport.