Liam Lawson, the driver who replaced Sergio 'Checo' Pérez at Red Bull for the 2025 Formula 1 season, has faced harsh criticism and mockery on social media after failing to complete the third practice and being eliminated in the first round of qualifying.
The pressure from fans and the avalanche of negative comments led Lawson to restrict comments on his Instagram account. In his latest post, he shared an image of a child touching his hair and thanked fans for their support, although the post was flooded with criticism about his performance and mockery of his nickname.
Lawson's debut at the Australian Grand Prix was marked by technical difficulties and mistakes on track, triggering a wave of negative reactions from fans. The expectation generated by his incorporation into the Red Bull team, instead of Pérez, was overshadowed by his disappointing start to the season.
Social media became a stage for criticism and jokes about the New Zealand driver, from the nickname "Slowson" to an avalanche of memes. The situation worsened after the practice and qualifying sessions in Australia, where criticism intensified.
Amidst the controversy, Lawson decided to limit comments on his social media due to the overwhelming amount of negative interactions. Despite the initial difficulties, the driver expressed his excitement to compete in Melbourne, seeking to move past the criticism and focus on his performance in the upcoming races.
