Liam Lawson has been handed a significant opportunity for the 2025 Formula 1 season, as he will be promoted to Red Bull Racing to partner Max Verstappen. However, the pressure is on the Kiwi driver, with a limited timeframe to prove his worth and retain his seat.
After Sergio Perez’s disappointing 2024 season, which saw him finish 8th in the championship and 285 points behind Verstappen, Red Bull decided to make a change. The team turned to Liam Lawson, who impressed during two super-sub stints in 2023 and 2024. Lawson, who is tasked with supporting Red Bull’s push to reclaim the Constructors' title, will now face an immense challenge as he joins Verstappen in 2025.
Ralf Schumacher’s Warning to Lawson
Ralf Schumacher, a six-time Formula 1 Grand Prix winner and Sky Germany pundit, has warned Lawson that his time to impress will be limited. "In Formula 1, you don’t have a lot of time,” Schumacher remarked, suggesting that Lawson will only have half the season to prove himself. He added, “If he shows it then, he will have a good seat.”
The Challenge of Competing with Max Verstappen
Schumacher also noted the immense challenge Lawson faces in going up against Verstappen, who has dominated the Red Bull team for years. "But next to Max Verstappen, that is quite a challenge,” Schumacher cautioned, pointing out that Verstappen has been difficult for teammates to match up to.
Red Bull's History of Parting Ways with Teammates
Lawson will be stepping into a team that has seen a number of high-profile drivers struggle alongside Verstappen. Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and Perez were all sent packing after failing to meet Red Bull’s expectations, often attributed to the challenging nature of the car and Verstappen's exceptional abilities.
Lawson’s Perspective on Driving Style and Adaptability
Despite the common narrative around "driving styles," Lawson does not entirely subscribe to this concept. In an interview with PlanetF1, he explained, “In terms of driving styles, I don’t really know if I believe in it so much in terms of a driving style.” Lawson clarified that while drivers may have preferences for how a car handles, adaptability is key: “I think as drivers, we’re professionals, we have to adapt to whatever we’re driving."
Confidence in the Red Bull Car and Verstappen's Dominance
Lawson, who has spent significant time testing Red Bull cars in recent years, acknowledges that the car is aggressive and requires immense confidence to drive. He explained, “I’ve driven the car over the last couple of years and done tests, and I can say the car is very aggressive and it takes a lot of confidence to drive it, honestly.” Lawson believes Verstappen’s success is largely down to his confidence and skill, noting, “Max is obviously extremely confident as a driver."
He also acknowledged Verstappen’s status as the current best in the world, adding, "The main thing is just he’s the best in the world right now, so to go up against the best guy, is always going to be very, very tough.”
Ultimately, Lawson’s challenge will be trying to match or exceed Verstappen’s performance—a daunting task, but one that could secure his future with the team if he rises to the occasion in the first half of 2025.
