Red Bull just made one of the boldest calls in modern Formula 1—pairing rookie sensation Liam Lawson with the reigning juggernaut, Max Verstappen. The move is a high-risk, high-reward gamble, signaling a brutal shake-up after Sergio Perez’s struggles cost the team the 2024 Constructors’ Championship.
Now, F1 pundits are warning that the Verstappen-Lawson dynamic could be a ticking time bomb—and former F1 firebrand Juan Pablo Montoya believes the partnership could explode in spectacular fashion.
“Verstappen and Lawson could have a combustible partnership, but it would be good for TV,” Montoya quipped.
Why Red Bull Chose Lawson Over Tsunoda
With 87 race starts, Yuki Tsunoda seemed like the logical choice for promotion. But Red Bull’s brass instead put their faith in Lawson, who has just 11 Grand Prix weekends under his belt. Why?
🔹 Raw pace and adaptability – Lawson impressed in his 2023 stand-in performances, proving he could handle pressure without cracking.
🔹 Tsunoda’s inconsistency – While fast, Tsunoda hasn’t proven he can regularly deliver under extreme pressure.
🔹 Red Bull’s need for stability – With Perez failing to support Verstappen, Red Bull wants a fast, obedient No. 2 who can deliver points without drama.
But will Lawson actually follow team orders?
Montoya: Verstappen’s Aggression Could Backfire
Montoya—never one to shy away from bold takes—believes Verstappen’s infamous aggression could be his biggest weakness in a head-to-head battle with Lawson.
“The only way to race against Max Verstappen is to be willing to crash,” Montoya said.
The three-time defending champion has built his reputation on fearless, sometimes ruthless wheel-to-wheel combat, forcing rivals to either back off or risk catastrophe.
“Verstappen plays on the fear that he is crazy and will crash if someone gets in his way,” Montoya explained. “If Lawson stands his ground and crashes with Max a couple of times, Verstappen will stop colliding and start respecting him.”
But here’s the problem: Red Bull doesn’t want another intra-team war.
Red Bull’s Warning to Lawson: Don’t Challenge Max
Red Bull’s senior advisor Helmut Marko has already laid down the law—Lawson isn’t expected to beat Verstappen, just stay close enough to help the team win the Constructors’ Championship.
“Some of Max’s former teammates made the mistake of attempting to outdo him with technological experiments, absurd set-ups, and strategic games. Lawson should avoid these traps.”
Instead, Marko has given Lawson one simple goal:
✅ Stay within three-tenths of Verstappen in both qualifying and races.
✅ Be fast enough to score big points, but not so fast that he threatens Max’s dominance.
✅ Develop steadily—without making unnecessary waves.
2025: A Defining Season for Lawson—And Red Bull’s Future
Red Bull’s calculated gamble on Lawson means all eyes will be on him when the 2025 season kicks off.
Will he play the perfect No. 2, keep his head down, and deliver the points Red Bull needs?
Or will he refuse to bow down, challenge Verstappen’s reign, and ignite chaos inside the most dominant team in modern F1?
If Montoya’s warning rings true, Red Bull could be sitting on the most explosive driver pairing since Hamilton vs. Rosberg.
One thing is certain—this partnership will be must-watch television.
