In his debut with Red Bull at the Australian Grand Prix, Liam Lawson failed to meet the high expectations that had been set. Replacing Checo Pérez in this race, the New Zealand driver struggled to match the pace of his teammate Max Verstappen, triggering criticism and mockery on social media.
Mexican fans quickly nicknamed Lawson with an unflattering moniker: "Slowson," a pun that went viral on social media. The origin of this nickname lies in the driver’s performance in the first practice sessions, where he was unable to achieve the times of the leaders or of his teammate.
After finishing in distant positions in the practice sessions, Lawson stated he felt comfortable but was aware of the need to improve. The international press also echoed his performance, even speculating about the availability of Checo Pérez as a replacement if needed.
The nickname "Slowson" adds to other clever nicknames that have emerged in Formula 1, recalling the case of Lando Norris and his nickname "NoWins," which he shed upon achieving his first victory in the category. Lawson now faces the challenge of proving his worth in the upcoming sessions and the race to silence his critics and earn the respect of the fans.
