As the quest for ‘millions’ in the Constructors’ Championship intensifies, Red Bull’s strategy seems to be changing. The former Red Bull driver, Christian Klien, suggests that the team will not burden their new driver, Liam Lawson, with the expectation to outperform or match the pace of Max Verstappen. Instead, the focus will be on consistent point accumulation.
Just over a year since his Formula 1 debut, replacing an injured Daniel Ricciardo at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix, Lawson has now secured a full-time role in the sport. His journey includes 11 races, five in 2023 and a six-race trial at the conclusion of the F1 2024 season. Despite this relatively short tenure, the 23-year-old Kiwi outshone Yuki Tsunoda and was therefore chosen to take over from Sergio Perez as Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate.
Taking the reins from Perez places Lawson in one of the most closely watched positions in F1. Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, has dubbed this role—the seat next to Verstappen—as the “toughest job” in the sport.
Verstappen’s track record is daunting. With four consecutive world titles and 53 Grand Prix wins in the last four seasons, he has set a high bar. Perez, despite being Verstappen’s teammate, could only manage a runner-up finish and five race wins. His point deficit to Verstappen was nearly 300, even in his best year—2023.
However, Red Bull remained supportive of Perez, offering him a two-year extension to boost his morale, only to sever ties by the end of the year. Following Perez’s exit, the team signed Lawson, whose primary task, as outlined by Red Bull’s motorsport advisor Helmut Marko, is to assist Verstappen in capturing his fifth world title and help reclaim the Constructors’ Championship from McLaren.
Klien believes that this revised strategy will work in Lawson’s favor. Unlike Pierre Gasly, who was dropped 12 races into his tenure for not matching Verstappen’s pace, or Alex Albon, who was let go after a year and a half, Lawson will not be under unusual pressure to match Verstappen’s speed.
According to Klien, Red Bull has learned from past experiences. Recognizing Verstappen’s unique talents, they know that not everyone can keep up with him. This realization has prompted a more conservative approach, giving Lawson the necessary time to grow, even though he’s not a complete newbie.
As Klien explains, “Lawson’s goal is to secure consistent points throughout the season, reducing Red Bull’s struggle in the Constructors’ Championship as experienced last year. With millions at stake in the championship, improving their standings is crucial for Red Bull.”
To accomplish this, Red Bull is likely to ease the pressure on Lawson, giving him room to develop. This approach, Klien believes, will benefit both Lawson and the team. Overburdening him wouldn’t be beneficial for either party. Hence, the team’s focus is on creating a peaceful environment for Lawson to thrive.