The 2025 Formula 1 season started with the Australian Grand Prix, where Liam Lawson had a disastrous participation by retiring from the race on lap 12. The rain at the Albert Park Circuit worked against several drivers, including the New Zealander, who lost control of his car in a corner and crashed into the barrier, leaving him out of the competition.
After the incident, Lawson received hundreds of mockeries on social media for his bittersweet debut in the Grand Circus, where many fans celebrated his poor performance as a replacement for Sergio "Checo" Pérez for this season. Some biting comments on social media criticized his performance and showed delight at seeing him out of the race.
Christian Horner, team principal of Red Bull Racing, came to Lawson's defense after his poor race. He attributed the situation to the complicated track conditions and the team's risky strategy. Horner acknowledged that Lawson set the second-fastest lap with dry tires, suggesting that his race pace is promising despite the setbacks.
