“There’s nobody better to learn from.”
That’s how Liam Lawson is approaching the biggest opportunity of his career—his first full Formula 1 season at Red Bull Racing, alongside none other than four-time world champion Max Verstappen.
The 23-year-old Kiwi is stepping into a seat that has chewed up and spit out the likes of Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and most recently, Sergio Perez. Now, it’s his turn to take on the most dominant force in modern F1 history.
And he knows exactly what’s coming.
Lawson: “It’s Going to Be a Challenge”
Lawson isn’t naïve. Racing alongside Verstappen at Red Bull isn’t just about keeping up—it’s about survival. The Dutchman knows the team inside out, has won four consecutive championships, and has a driving style tailored to the RB21’s DNA.
“There’s more opportunity than ever to have someone like him as a teammate, somebody who’s been in this team for 10 years and obviously he’s just won the last four world championships,” Lawson admitted.
But the Kiwi is choosing to see it as an advantage rather than an obstacle.
“There’s nobody better to align everything that I’m doing with because all of our data is going to be shared.”
Translation? Instead of trying to reinvent the wheel, Lawson plans to soak in everything Verstappen does—his racecraft, his setups, his tire management, his aggression—and use that knowledge to close the gap as quickly as possible.
But knowing that won’t make the task any easier.
“Obviously, at the same time, having somebody so quick and competitive is going to come with its challenges. So for me, it’s just about making the most of that.”
Can Lawson Succeed Where Others Have Failed?
Red Bull’s second seat has become one of the most unforgiving jobs in motorsport. Gasly, Albon, and Perez all struggled to keep up with Verstappen’s relentless pace—and those who couldn’t hold their own were quickly sent packing.
For Lawson, the margin for error is razor-thin. Red Bull has never been afraid to make driver changes mid-season if results don’t meet expectations. The 23-year-old has the talent, but he’ll need mental toughness to withstand the pressure cooker that is Verstappen’s Red Bull.
If he gets it right, he could secure his long-term future at Milton Keynes.
If he gets it wrong? Well… history speaks for itself.
Lawson has one shot to prove he belongs. The clock starts now.
