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Liam Lawson Steps into the Fire: Can Red Bull’s New Recruit Thrive in Max Verstappen’s Shadow?

Carl Smith by Carl Smith
January 9, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Liam Lawson Steps into the Fire: Can Red Bull’s New Recruit Thrive in Max Verstappen’s Shadow?

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - DECEMBER 06: Liam Lawson of New Zealand and Visa Cash App RB looks on at the Visa Cash App RB team photo after practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on December 06, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202412150010 // Usage for editorial use only //

Liam Lawson is preparing to make the most significant leap of his racing career, stepping up to Red Bull Racing alongside four-time reigning World Champion Max Verstappen for the 2025 season. While the Kiwi driver has proven his talent during substitute stints and a stellar Formula 2 campaign, stepping into Verstappen’s fortress at Milton Keynes presents challenges few drivers have conquered.


The Verstappen-Centric Dynamic

Since Max Verstappen’s rise to dominance, Red Bull has steadily molded itself around his preferences. From car development to team strategy, the organization is geared toward extracting maximum performance from its Dutch superstar. This reality has already spelled the end for teammates like Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and even Sergio Perez, who struggled to adapt to Verstappen’s unique driving style and the high-pressure team environment.

Former F1 engineer Gary Anderson pointed out that Lawson will need to adapt quickly to the Verstappen-centric setup:

“As he’s done since seeing off Daniel Ricciardo, Max Verstappen will lead the team in the way he wants the car, and Liam Lawson will have to live with that and just hope he can come up with the driving style required to bring some big points-scoring results home.”


Lawson’s Path to Promotion

Lawson’s journey to Red Bull has been a testament to his resilience and skill. The 22-year-old gained prominence after a strong Formula 2 campaign in 2022 and earned the trust of Red Bull’s management with a series of impressive substitute performances in 2023. His brief but impactful time replacing Daniel Ricciardo only strengthened his case, leading to his promotion and leaving Yuki Tsunoda on the sidelines for a Red Bull seat.

However, Lawson enters a high-stakes environment. While he is not expected to challenge Verstappen immediately, he must prove his worth as a reliable “rear-gunner” in his debut season. This will be crucial for Lawson’s long-term prospects at Red Bull, a team that historically has little patience for underperformance.


The Yuki Tsunoda Factor

Tsunoda, demoted back to AlphaTauri, is now on a mission to prove Red Bull wrong. The longest-serving AlphaTauri driver in recent history, Tsunoda has shown flashes of brilliance but lacked the consistency needed for a senior team promotion. With rookie Isack Hadjar joining AlphaTauri, Tsunoda finds himself fighting not just for results but also to maintain his foothold within the Red Bull program.

“Yuki Tsunoda has to prove that the mothership made the wrong choice,” Anderson added. “He also has to prove he is faster than new boy Isack Hadjar.”

Tsunoda’s fifth season will be a make-or-break year as he faces pressure from Hadjar, who is eager to climb the ranks. Tsunoda’s response will determine whether he remains a long-term contender in Red Bull’s plans or becomes another casualty of the program’s ruthless approach.


Can Lawson Handle the Heat?

Liam Lawson’s promotion to Red Bull is both a reward for his patience and a test of his mettle. His 2025 season will be closely scrutinized as he navigates the challenge of adapting to a car designed for Verstappen’s preferences while dealing with the pressure of delivering results.

The Kiwi has already shown flashes of brilliance, but racing alongside Verstappen—a driver who has ended the careers of many—will be his ultimate proving ground. For Lawson, 2025 represents not just an opportunity to learn but a chance to stake his claim as Red Bull’s next big thing.

Will Lawson sink under the weight of Verstappen’s dominance, or can he thrive and carve out his own legacy? The spotlight is on, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

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