Red Bull has placed its faith in 22-year-old Liam Lawson, propelling the Kiwi into one of the most coveted—and unforgiving—seats in Formula 1. Following an impressive, albeit brief, stint with the team’s junior squad, Lawson has been handed the chance of a lifetime: to race alongside four-time world champion Max Verstappen. But is Lawson ready to shoulder the immense pressure that comes with being Verstappen’s teammate?
Why Lawson, and Why Now?
Red Bull’s decision to promote Lawson over more seasoned candidates, including Yuki Tsunoda, is a clear statement of intent. Despite Tsunoda’s consistent performances and loyalty to the Red Bull junior program, Lawson’s raw talent and unshakable grit tipped the scales in his favor. It’s a move that’s both bold and indicative of Red Bull’s belief in Lawson as the future of the team.
“Call it a hunch,” one insider mused. “Lawson has the eye of a tiger. He’s not afraid to fight, and he carries a grit that reminds me of drivers like Oscar Piastri—Antipodeans who thrive under pressure.”
The Max Verstappen Problem
Lawson enters a garage dominated by one of the most ruthless competitors in the sport’s history. Verstappen has dismantled every teammate who dared to share his side of the garage. Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and Sergio Perez all fell victim to Verstappen’s unmatched pace and relentless focus.
Yet Lawson may represent something different. Unlike Verstappen’s previous teammates, Lawson appears less inclined to play second fiddle. While it’s unrealistic to expect the 22-year-old to beat Verstappen outright, his mission will be to stay within a tenth or two of the Dutchman in every session—an arduous task that requires unwavering consistency and mental fortitude.
Can Lawson Rise to the Occasion?
“He doesn’t have to beat Max, but he has to be close. In FP1, FP2, qualifying, the sprint, and the race, he needs to be right there. That’s the benchmark,” one observer noted.
Lawson’s rise within the Red Bull system mirrors Verstappen’s own meteoric ascent. Like Verstappen, Lawson enters a team that demands excellence. The Kiwi’s ability to thrive in this high-pressure environment will determine whether he becomes the next great Red Bull star—or the latest addition to Verstappen’s long list of casualties.
The Bigger Picture for Red Bull
With Verstappen’s future at Red Bull uncertain beyond 2026—particularly if the team fails to deliver under the new regulations—Lawson’s promotion signals a potential changing of the guard. If Verstappen were to depart, Red Bull needs a proven talent ready to lead the team. Lawson’s performance in the upcoming season will be critical in determining whether he fits that mold.
A Teammate Battle Netflix Can’t Wait For
The Lawson-Verstappen dynamic is shaping up to be one of the most compelling storylines of the 2025 F1 season. Can the young Kiwi challenge Verstappen’s dominance within the team, or will he follow the same fate as his predecessors? The stakes are immense, and the cameras will be rolling.
Hope, Pressure, and Potential
For Lawson, the challenge is as daunting as it is exhilarating. His path is littered with the wreckage of those who tried and failed to compete with Verstappen. Yet hope, grit, and opportunity define the essence of Formula 1. As Lawson steps into the spotlight, all eyes will be on his ability to deliver when it matters most.
Liam Lawson, welcome to the lion’s den. It’s your time to shine.