Shock F1 star 'told' he is 'fighting for his future' after Liam Lawson saga

With Liam Lawson set to be replaced at Red Bull after just two races, another driver has been told he is fighting for his future by an F1 legend.

It was revealed on Tuesday evening by Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, that Lawson would be demoted back to Racing Bulls (Red Bull Jr team) and replaced by his former teammate, Tsunoda, for the Japanese Grand Prix.

With just two races to his name, Lawson will become the shortest-serving Red Bull driver in history after crashing out in Australia and coming home 12th in China.

Lawson's situation highlights the cut-throat nature of F1, and according to Ralf Schumacher, there is a big name who is at risk of losing his seat at the end of the season.

Russell is 'fighting for his future' at Mercedes in 2025

Speaking to Sky Germany, Schumacher claimed that George Russell's great start to 2025 is due to Mercedes' continuous links to Max Verstappen, giving him extra motivation to succeed.

With Toto Wolff adding the long-term project of 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli to the team for 2025, Russell appears to be the expendable option if Verstappen became available.

“For [Wolff], the question is, of course, what to do because he has two drivers who are close to his heart,” he said.

“George Russell, who is currently fighting for his future – that’s clear, you can really tell – and also Kimi Antonelli, who he thinks highly of.”

Mercedes are expected to be the team to beat in 2026, with their new engine reportedly a step ahead of other teams making them a serious contender to land Verstappen.

Wolff made it very clear he wanted Verstappen to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes for this season, however, his failed attempt to sign the Dutchman forced his hand to fast-track Antonelli into the seat.

George Russell after the Chinese Grand Prix- Getty

Antonelli is widely considered a generational talent, putting Russell in a rather precarious position if Wolff insists on pursuing Verstappen.

The Brit's contract is up at the end of the season, and given the nature of the sport, he will be very keen to confirm his future sooner rather than later.

However, if Russell continues his early season form he will have nothing to worry about, with the 27-year-old sitting second in the championship after back-to-back podiums.