Red Bull chief confirms driver made 'secret visit' to the paddock this month amid Liam Lawson sacking

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has revealed that one driver made a 'secret visit' to the paddock amid the drama surrounding Liam Lawson.

Earlier in the week, it was confirmed that Lawson, 23, had been replaced by Yuki Tsunoda after a dismal start to the 2025 Formula 1 season.

The New Zealander crashed out during the Australian Grand Prix before finishing 14th in the sprint race and 12th in the main race at the Chinese Grand Prix.

As a result, the decision to replace Lawson was made ahead of next weekend's Japanese Grand Prix.

Lawson will return to Red Bull's sister team, Racing Bulls, and drive alongside fellow rookie Isack Hadjar.

Taking to social media, Lawson wrote: "Being a @redbullracing driver has been my dream since I was a kid, it’s what I’ve worked towards my whole life. It’s tough, but I'm grateful for everything that’s brought me to this point. To every one of you who’s stood by me, thank you for all the support it means the world.

"Thank you @visacashapprb for the warm welcome, I’m excited and ready to go to work at one of my favourite places.”

Speaking recently, Red Bull advisor Marko revealed that Daniel Ricciardo made a 'secret' brief return but was never in the running to replace Lawson.

Marko told the Dutch edition of Motorsport.com: “No, that was never considered. Daniel did his last race and has stayed away from Formula 1 since then. He was there briefly in Australia, but I think he was gone again on Thursday.

"This was never an issue."

Daniel Ricciardo made a brief return to Red Bull this month. Image: Getty

Ricciardo was replaced by Lawson at Racing Bulls last year after a string of poor performances.

As reported by talkSPORT, Ricciardo had a stand selling his own range of merchandise during his home race at F1's season-opener at the Australian Grand Prix earlier in the month.

When asked whether Ricciardo, 35, could make a stunning return to F1 in the future, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner said to talkSPORT last year: "There are rumours.

"I wouldn't be at all surprised. I wouldn't be at all surprised even if they went for the experience of somebody like Sergio and if he decides he wants to continue his career in Formula 1."