A Formula 1 driver has been 'told' he could be 'sacked' by his team just one race into the 2025 season.
Last weekend, the new F1 campaign kicked off with a bang as the Australian Grand Prix took place around Albert Park in Melbourne.
The race was chaotic as drivers had to encounter tricky conditions, with six crashing out during the 57-lap event.
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In the end, McLaren star and title favourite Lando Norris won the race ahead of Max Verstappen and George Russell.
Although Verstappen managed to get onto the podium, it was a tough afternoon for the Dutchman's teammate, Liam Lawson, who crashed out on lap 47.
The New Zealander will be under immense pressure to perform better in future races to avoid having the same fate as the likes of Sergio Perez, Pierre Gasly and Alexander Albon, who were all replaced after failing to keep pace with Verstappen.
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Writing for Sky Sports after the race weekend, former F1 driver Martin Brundle stated that Lawson has to improve due to the ruthless nature of Red Bull.
Liam Lawson given 'P45' warning after disastrous Australian Grand Prix
He said: "Liam Lawson of Red Bull, in particular, will be very happy that we head immediately into another race week so that he can hopefully park the misery and errors he endured in Melbourne and put them right.
"That team doesn't do cuddles and reassuring words, and nor should they at this level."
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Brundle added: "P45s (Tax letter given to an employee in the United Kingdom from an employer upon leaving a job) are more their thing if you can't keep Verstappen at least in view from time to time."
Meanwhile, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko stated that Lawson's performances will be 'observed' for the next three to five races.
The Austrian said: "He wanted to show what he can do and unfortunately that went wrong. We have to let him cool down a bit now and observe his development over the first three to five races."
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Red Bull team boss Christian Horner added: "It was a difficult weekend for him. We changed the car to put a bit more downforce on the car. It’s a very hard track to overtake at."
F1 will return this weekend with the Chinese Grand Prix, which will be held at the Shanghai International Circuit.
Topics: Formula 1, Red Bull Racing, Max Verstappen
Marcus Chan