A Rollercoaster Ride to F1’s Pinnacle
Liam Lawson’s journey to a full-time seat at Red Bull Racing has been anything but conventional. The Kiwi driver’s bold and unyielding approach on the track has garnered both praise and controversy, setting the stage for a high-stakes 2025 season alongside reigning champion Max Verstappen. With his seat at Red Bull comes the monumental challenge of proving himself in a role that has seen many falter before him.
Filling Ricciardo’s Shoes and Shaking Up the Grid
Lawson initially burst onto the Formula 1 scene in 2023, stepping in for Daniel Ricciardo after the Australian broke his hand during practice at Zandvoort. Despite impressive performances in his five-race stint, Lawson was relegated back to the sidelines when Ricciardo returned. However, the tables turned in 2024 when Ricciardo’s underwhelming form led to his mid-season departure, giving Lawson another shot to shine.
Lawson’s tenacity was on full display during high-profile battles with Fernando Alonso in Austin and Sergio Perez in Mexico City. Both seasoned drivers criticized Lawson’s aggressive style—Alonso branding him an “idiot” and Perez urging him to be more humble. But Lawson stood firm, declaring, “I’m not in F1 to make friends.”
A Driver with Something to Prove
Speaking in an end-of-season interview with Motorsport.com, Lawson dismissed claims that his bold racing was an attempt to make a statement. “I’m not trying to set an example or anything like that,” Lawson said. “I feel like I’m racing everybody the same way… I have a very short window here at the moment, so it’s very important to prove myself.”
Lawson’s performances, while polarizing, solidified his position as Red Bull’s choice for 2025, replacing Sergio Perez. The young driver is now tasked with navigating one of the most challenging dynamics in Formula 1: being Verstappen’s teammate.
The Verstappen Challenge
Joining Red Bull as Verstappen’s teammate is a daunting task. The Dutchman has dominated the sport in recent years, setting a standard few can match. Lawson must balance the dual demands of pushing Verstappen while avoiding the pitfalls that have plagued previous Red Bull teammates like Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon.
Red Bull’s faith in Lawson signals their belief in his potential, but it also comes with immense pressure. Team principal Christian Horner has made it clear that performance is the only currency that matters at the sport’s top team.
What’s Next for Lawson?
Lawson enters 2025 with much to prove. His fearless approach has already marked him as one to watch, but sustaining that aggression while maintaining consistency will be crucial. The Kiwi will need to show he can not only compete at Verstappen’s level but also handle the intense scrutiny that comes with a Red Bull seat.
If Lawson can rise to the challenge, he has the chance to establish himself as a future star of Formula 1. However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, and the 2025 season will be the ultimate test of his mettle.
