As Liam Lawson prepares for his debut season alongside four-time world champion Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing in 2025, Helmut Marko has delivered a blunt assessment of Lawson’s role within the team. Marko, the influential Red Bull advisor, made it clear that Lawson should focus on development rather than trying to beat Verstappen—a challenge no driver has successfully managed in recent years.
Marko: Accepting Defeat Is Key
In a candid statement, Marko emphasized the need for Lawson to approach his role with humility and realism. The Dutchman’s domination has seen off every teammate since 2016, from experienced veterans to rising stars.
“Liam Lawson is mentally the strongest of our juniors, although he has little Grand Prix experience,” Marko said. “But it’s important to accept alongside Max that you can’t beat him. No one can do that. And in terms of quality, despite his limited Grand Prix experience, Liam has the most potential to develop further.”
Marko’s comments underline Red Bull’s priorities for Lawson: development and support for Verstappen. The Kiwi driver is expected to grow within the team, but not at the expense of disrupting Verstappen’s title charge.
A History of “Perished” Teammates
Marko’s warning is not without precedent. Verstappen’s previous teammates, including Sergio Pérez, Daniel Ricciardo, and Pierre Gasly, have struggled to match his pace and consistency. Most notably, Pérez was dismissed at the end of 2024 after failing to close the gap to Verstappen.
“One should accept that he [Verstappen] is the best and not try to beat him,” Marko continued. “That has gone wrong with all his colleagues.”
Drivers who attempted to challenge Verstappen often faltered under the pressure, experimenting with extreme setups or alternative strategies that ultimately backfired.
Lawson’s Challenge: Development Without Overreach
Lawson enters the Red Bull environment with the advantage of having observed Verstappen from a distance and gaining experience during his stint with VCARB in 2024. While Marko praises Lawson’s potential and mental fortitude, he advises the young driver to focus on learning rather than rivalry.
“He is in the team with the best Formula 1 driver and should not try— as many colleagues did— to go looking for it in technology, with absurd set-ups or in terms of strategy,” Marko advised.
The Verstappen Factor: Unmatched Excellence
Max Verstappen’s dominance at Red Bull has been unparalleled, with the 27-year-old consistently outperforming his teammates. His meticulous approach, aggressive racing style, and ability to adapt to Red Bull’s high-maintenance cars have set a benchmark few can match.
In 2024, Verstappen won nine Grands Prix and clinched his fourth consecutive title despite Red Bull’s struggles with the RB20, proving once again that he is the driving force behind the team’s success.
What Lies Ahead for Lawson
The 2025 season will be a defining year for Liam Lawson. While he may not be expected to challenge Verstappen directly, he has the opportunity to cement his place as a dependable and developing talent within Red Bull. How well he navigates the fine line between personal ambition and team loyalty will shape his future in Formula 1.
As Marko said, “Liam has the potential to grow, but he must not lose sight of the fact that Max is on another level entirely.”
The spotlight will undoubtedly be on Lawson, but it’s clear that Red Bull’s expectations for its newest recruit are measured—and firmly aligned with supporting Verstappen’s continued reign.
