Liam Lawson may have the toughest job in Formula 1 as he joins Red Bull to be Max Verstappen’s teammate in 2025.
The 22-year-old beat Yuki Tsunoda to a drive at the team, despite losing 6-0 in the qualifying battle to his ex-teammate at Visa Cash App Racing Bulls in 2024.
Lawson’s arrival coincides with Red Bull’s slight downfall over the last year, as they have transformed from a dominant team to more of a victory contender.
They finished third in the Constructors’ Championship last season and could’ve been higher if Sergio Perez had performed to the level expected of their third driver.
With the 2026 F1 regulations near, they may opt against focusing on a title challenge this season, but Verstappen won’t want to concede hopes of a fifth consecutive title this early on in the year.
He would be just the second driver in Formula 1 history to achieve the feat after Michael Schumacher managed it with Ferrari between 2000 and 2004.
Liam Lawson should be aware that the Verstappen family leaves ‘no room’ for anyone
Lawson should ‘hope’ Red Bull’s 2025 car has a big weakness that Verstappen typically struggles most with – understeer.
It would offer the chance for him to apply pressure on his new teammate early in their battle, something that his recent competitors haven’t managed to do.
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Lawson’s ex-boss Frits van Amersfoort has suggested that the Kiwi should be aware the Verstappen family isn’t the most welcoming in an interview with Motorsport.com.
“But I speak from experience when I say that the Verstappens are not the easiest,” he said. “In principle, they leave no room for anyone. If he is smart, he accepts that he has to play second fiddle in the beginning.
“There will come a time when Max decides it’s time to take a different path or stop. And that will be the moment for Liam to strike.
“Until then, I hope that Liam and Max develop a relationship where they help each other, instead of working against each other.”
What can Liam Lawson expect to achieve against Max Verstappen in 2025?
Lawson expects a really tough Red Bull debut in 2025, as the Australian Grand Prix returns to be the season-opener for the first time since 2019.
It’s a high-speed and flowing circuit, which should help him build some confidence around the streets of Melbourne before his first competitive outing in navy.
Jos Verstappen has warned Lawson not to try and match his son in his debut season, but that goes against the instincts of a racing driver.
READ MORE: Liam Lawson admits there’s one aspect of being a Formula 1 driver he hates after Red Bull promotion
It would be a surprise if he was to match or beat the reigning champion, but the low expectations set for him (to be a clear second driver) should ease some of the pressure of being one of Red Bull’s stars.
They have one of the most demanding setups in the sport, as he knows well from being one of their junior drivers over the last six years.
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