Lawson reveals 'done deal' Red Bull demotion timeline

Liam Lawson has revealed how he was informed of his "done deal" demotion to Racing Bulls ahead of Red Bull's official announcement last Thursday. 

Ahead of this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix, Red Bull confirmed it would swap Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda from Suzuka. 

The team insisted it was due to needing Tsunoda's experience to improve the problematic RB21, which has received complaints from Max Verstappen. 

Despite this, it has been a shocking start to the season for Lawson, who is yet to score a point or escape the first part of qualifying in any format.

Rumours quickly circulated at the Chinese Grand Prix that the New Zealander could be set for a staggering demotion after just two races, although the driver insisted his fate was learnt after the event.

"No, I had no idea in China," said Lawson to select media including RacingNews365. "It was something that was decided, I guess the Monday or Tuesday afterwards. 

"I found out after China, basically. So, yeah, it was, I think for all of us, probably more unexpected, but it was after the weekend."

Lawson, ultimately, received a phone call following his P12 at the Shanghai International Circuit to inform him of the swap, with a clear decision having been made by Red Bull senior figures.

When asked for how the situation was presented to him, Lawson revealed: "It was more of a done deal, I would say it was, yeah. 

"So I guess I left China starting preparations for Japan, and basically I had a phone call, basically saying that this was what was going to happen."