The pressure is on for Liam Lawson as he prepares for his debut season alongside reigning Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen at Red Bull. Team advisor Helmut Marko has laid out the daunting expectations for the 22-year-old New Zealander, requiring him to be within three-tenths of Verstappen in both qualifying and race conditions to aid Red Bull’s bid to reclaim the Constructors’ Championship in 2025.
The Lawson Challenge
Lawson replaces Sergio Perez, whose disastrous 2024 season saw Red Bull plummet to third in the Constructors’ standings despite Verstappen’s fourth Drivers’ title. Now, Lawson faces the unenviable task of stepping into the “poisoned chalice” that is Red Bull’s second seat—a role that has seen the careers of Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and even Perez falter.
Marko was clear in his advice to Lawson: don’t aim to dethrone Verstappen.
“You have to accept that he is the best and see how far you can get,” Marko told RTL. “Going in thinking ‘I am going to beat him’ went wrong with all his team-mates.”
Red Bull’s Expectations
With less than a dozen F1 starts under his belt, Lawson must adapt quickly. Marko outlined what success looks like for Lawson in 2025:
- Consistency: Stay within 0.3 seconds of Verstappen across all conditions.
- Contribution: Deliver points consistently to bolster the team’s Constructors’ Championship hopes.
- Progression: Show steady improvement over the course of the season.
Lawson’s calm demeanor and maturity have impressed Red Bull’s management, but Marko hinted that the prolonged uncertainty regarding Perez’s contract led to some restlessness in the young driver.
“He had to wait a while until he even got into Formula 1,” said Marko. “Then, due to the contract situation with Checo Perez, it took a while before we were contractually allowed to say something. So, he got a little restless.”
A Treacherous Role
Red Bull’s second seat has historically been one of the most challenging in F1. Verstappen’s dominance has often left teammates scrambling, leading to desperate setups and risky strategies in attempts to close the gap.
Marko cautioned Lawson against falling into this trap:
“Many other team-mates of Max have tried remedies in the technology, with some absurd set-ups and strategic plays,” Marko explained. “That’s not the way to go.”
The Stakes Are High
Lawson’s ability to fulfill Red Bull’s expectations could determine his long-term future with the team. While Marko and Christian Horner have expressed faith in his potential, history shows Red Bull is quick to make changes if results aren’t delivered.
As the season opener looms, the question remains: Can Liam Lawson thrive in the lion’s den, or will the pressure prove too much? One thing is certain—being within three-tenths of Max Verstappen is easier said than done.
