Liam Lawson faces tough competition going up against Max Verstappen at Red Bull, having been the fourth teammate to do so in the last nine years.
Having only completed 11 races in his F1 career, Red Bull has thrown him into the deep end as it searches for a solution to the problem it had with Sergio Perez last season.
The Mexican was a capable driver but made too many errors in qualifying and during key moments in the races, leading to him often finishing outside of the top five places.
Red Bull needs a driver who can consistently finish near the podium places, as this will help them finish higher in the Constructors’ Championship after dropping to third in 2024.
Helmut Marko thinks Lawson has the mental strength to go up against Verstappen, but there is one other thing that Lawson will be hoping for according to Dutch racing driver Mike Hezemans when speaking to RacingNews365.nl.
Liam Lawson will want Red Bull car that has ‘a lot of understeer’
One of the things that characterises the Dutchman’s driving style is his ability to have a pointy car. Alex Albon previously this was one of the reasons why it is so hard to beat Verstappen in the same team.
Hezemans thinks Lawson will need a car that is the opposite if he wants to stand a chance of beating Verstappen in the same team.
“The only thing you have to hope for is that this car has a lot of understeer. Max hates that, so Max doesn’t really go and they drive about the same. That’s his only chance,” said Hezemans.
“The first five races he will really think: okay, let’s just say, we’ll see how it goes. And then you also get the time. But if it becomes four and a half tenths again, it will be in the head. You don’t have to be so happy to be next to Max Verstappen.”
Can Liam Lawson beat Max Verstappen in 2025?
With Verstappen being a four-time world champion it seems unlikely that he will be beaten by a rookie with less than 15 starts to his name.
But a look at the history of Red Bull would tell a different story. Sebastian Vettel came off the back of a dominant season in 2013, only to lose out to Daniel Ricciardo in 2014.
READ MORE: All you need to know about Red Bull Racing from engine to Ford links
Vettel had grown disillusioned with Red Bull after their Renault engine proved to be uncompetitive that season, and a similar fate could happen to Verstappen following their problems last year.
Verstappen is already rumoured to be in contact with Aston Martin over a potential drive in 2026, which could happen if Red Bull fails to meet certain performance criteria.
Leave feedback about this