Payne defends Lawson amid speculation

Supercars star Matt Payne has leapt to the defence of friend and racer Liam Lawson amid speculation over the latter's future in Formula 1.

While four-time champion Max Verstappen scored in both the Sprint and Grand Prix in China, New Zealander Lawson has yet to score a single point in 2025.

Lawson’s form across the opening two weekends of the F1 season has already led to speculation as to whether he could already lose his Red Bull seat.

Lawson and Payne grew up on the same street in Pukekohe, New Zealand, and remain close friends. Where Payne’s family had a background in motorsport, Lawson was motivated to follow his friend's footsteps.

The current media and social media pressure has incensed Payne, who said the commentary surrounding Lawson has been "terrible," and that it would be a "shame" if he was moved on.

"I’m really quite annoyed that a lot of people are getting into him about it, and basically saying some horrible stuff about him," Payne said on the upcoming Drivers Only podcast.

"He's proved himself countless times, jumping into the car after Daniel [Ricciardo] broke his thumb and basically just getting in there and doing the job.

“There was no real hint that he wasn't good enough at that time. Even getting in after he replaced Daniel eventually, and out-qualifying Yuki [Tsunoda]. The results are there.

“Was always gonna be tough because he is up against Max; everyone knows for the last five, six years he's been the benchmark in that car. And the old story goes, the second driver really struggles to adapt to it.

"It looks like it's almost made around Max to suit his driving style, which as we know it's super hard to copy someone else when it's not your natural style.

“I think he is just finding it really difficult at the moment to get the lap time out of it. It would be a real shame if he was gonna get dropped after two rounds."

In an interview last year, Lawson credited Payne for starting his motorsport career, with the former going on to win in several categories en route to F1. The duo remained close, Lawson engineering Payne at the 2021 New Zealand Grand Prix at Hampton Downs.

Lawson was given the Red Bull seat alongside Verstappen for 2025, replacing Sergio Perez. However, just two races in, Lawson's future is now up in the air, with Payne claiming a change won't solve the issue.

"I really enjoy seeing him in there doing it,” Payne said of Lawson at Red Bull.

"I think what's interesting is like, back when Max was winning every race and stuff, Checo [Perez] was finishing fifth, or getting a podium. But the difference is now, it's not like Max is just winning and Liam’s nowhere. Yes, he’s outside the points, but Max is finishing fifth.

“There’s a lot of things that aren't also going Red Bull's way at the moment. I don't think just chucking another driver in instead will fix all your problems. If it was that easy, everyone would do it.

“They've done it countless times and, and look what's happened. I think putting Tsunoda in would definitely not improve the situation. If anything, it takes away a great opportunity for Liam to show what he's got in the next few races."

Payne sits sixth in the Supercars standings heading to the next round in New Zealand on April 11-13. Tickets for the ITM Taupō Super 440 are on sale now.