Red Bull’s decision to promote Liam Lawson to a full-time seat alongside Max Verstappen for the 2025 Formula 1 season has sparked heated debate across the paddock. With only 11 F1 starts under his belt, the 22-year-old New Zealander is stepping into one of the most intense team dynamics in motorsport, replacing the experienced but underperforming Sergio Perez.
Herbert Questions Lawson’s Readiness
Three-time Grand Prix winner Johnny Herbert weighed in on the move, expressing skepticism about whether Lawson has fully earned his spot over Yuki Tsunoda, who has 87 Grand Prix starts.
“Lawson didn’t blow away Tsunoda during their time at AlphaTauri,” Herbert remarked. “Tsunoda’s qualifying pace was mighty, and while Lawson showed promise, the question is whether he can step up to lead a team like Red Bull.”
However, Herbert acknowledged that Lawson might not be a pushover: “He’s probably a level or two above Tsunoda, but to succeed at Red Bull, he has to elevate his game dramatically against Verstappen.”
The Verstappen Factor
Max Verstappen’s dominance at Red Bull has made him the most formidable teammate challenge in F1. Lawson will face the unenviable task of going head-to-head with a driver chasing his fifth consecutive Drivers’ Championship. Herbert likened Verstappen’s approach to legendary champions like Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna, emphasizing the psychological warfare Verstappen employs:
“It’s intimidation. Max has that aura, like Schumacher or Senna, where his presence alone can unsettle teammates. Lawson will have to hit the ground running, or Verstappen will quickly assert dominance.”
A Risk Worth Taking?
Red Bull’s decision to drop Perez before his contract ended reflects the team’s willingness to take bold risks in pursuit of championship glory. While Perez’s early 2024 form contributed to Red Bull’s Constructors’ lead, his struggles in the latter half of the season allowed McLaren to steal the title.
Red Bull’s faith in Lawson signals their belief in his potential to handle the pressure cooker environment of racing alongside Verstappen. With Helmut Marko reportedly setting a mandate for Lawson to be within 0.3 seconds of Verstappen’s times, the rookie has no room for a slow start.
The Road Ahead
Lawson’s performance in 2025 will undoubtedly be one of the season’s most closely watched storylines. Can the young Kiwi rise to the occasion, or will he join the list of Verstappen’s overshadowed teammates like Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and Perez?
Herbert’s Verdict
“The pressure Lawson will face is immense,” Herbert concluded. “If he can hold his own against Verstappen, it will prove Red Bull’s gamble right. If not, it will only add to Verstappen’s legend.”
With the 2025 season approaching, the spotlight is firmly on Lawson. Will he sink or swim? One thing is certain: Red Bull’s latest gamble ensures there will be no shortage of drama this season.
