Liam Lawson’s 2025 Formula 1 season comes with both immense opportunity and a near-insurmountable challenge. The young New Zealander finds himself stepping into the Red Bull Racing spotlight, replacing Sergio Perez alongside Max Verstappen, a four-time F1 world champion and one of the most dominant figures in the sport.
This is not just any seat; it’s arguably the most daunting role in modern F1—partnering Verstappen in a team built around his relentless pursuit of victory. After a rocky 2024 season for Red Bull, Lawson faces a baptism by fire.
Red Bull’s Rise, Fall, and Redemption Plan
Red Bull entered 2024 riding high after years of dominance, but cracks in their armor emerged with the RB20. Struggles with balance and performance opened the door for McLaren and Ferrari, who surged to the front of the grid. Verstappen endured a grueling 10-race winless streak between Spain and São Paulo, marking the longest drought of his career since Red Bull’s resurgence.
Despite the adversity, Verstappen clawed his way to a fourth consecutive championship, securing seven victories in the opening ten rounds and proving his mettle as one of the all-time greats. His teammate, Sergio Perez, wasn’t as fortunate. A lackluster campaign ended with his departure from Red Bull, creating the opportunity Lawson has now seized.
Lawson’s Challenge: Learn Fast, Deliver Faster
Lawson has shown flashes of brilliance during his limited time on the F1 grid, including an impressive stint at AlphaTauri. However, with just 11 race starts to his name, he’s now stepping into the most scrutinized and pressure-laden cockpit in Formula 1.
The young driver isn’t delusional about the mountain ahead. He acknowledges that Verstappen is the benchmark, but he also sees the challenge as a rare chance for personal growth.
“It’s the biggest challenge to go up against Max,” Lawson admitted. “But it’s also the best seat on the grid. You get to learn directly from the best. Having access to his data every session will make me better.”
Red Bull has a history of high expectations for its second drivers. Lawson must avoid the pitfalls that plagued Perez, Alex Albon, and Pierre Gasly, all of whom struggled to match Verstappen’s relentless pace and consistency. The Kiwi needs to prove he can be a reliable number two, supporting Verstappen while holding his own in a cutthroat environment.
Verstappen’s Unrelenting Pursuit of Glory
If 2024 taught us anything, it’s that Verstappen thrives under pressure. Even with a car that fell behind McLaren and Ferrari in raw pace by season’s end, the Dutchman displayed a level of adaptability and determination that sets him apart.
Reflecting on his fourth title, Verstappen emphasized his growth as a driver and his relentless drive to succeed.
“Even with not the fastest car, we still won it,” Verstappen said. “When I sit in the car, I give it everything. Over the last few years, I’ve become a more complete driver, and I’m excited to see what we can achieve next year.”
2025: A Pivotal Season for Red Bull
Red Bull’s future hangs in a delicate balance. With McLaren and Ferrari finishing 2024 clearly ahead, and Mercedes showing signs of resurgence, the Milton Keynes team enters 2025 as an underdog for the first time in years. Verstappen remains their ace, but Lawson’s role is crucial. He must provide support in the Constructors’ Championship fight while proving he belongs at the pinnacle of motorsport.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for Lawson. This season will determine whether he can withstand the intense pressure of being Verstappen’s teammate or follow the path of predecessors who crumbled under the weight of expectations. For Verstappen, 2025 is another chapter in his pursuit of greatness—anything less than a fifth title will feel like failure.
As Red Bull fights to reclaim its dominance, all eyes will be on the dynamic between Verstappen and Lawson. For Lawson, the year ahead is an extraordinary opportunity to learn from the best while navigating the toughest challenge in motorsport.