Liam Lawson has officially replaced Sergio Pérez at Red Bull Racing for the 2025 Formula 1 season, joining forces with four-time world champion Max Verstappen. While Lawson’s promotion marks a pivotal moment in his career, it comes with enormous pressure and mixed reactions from pundits, fans, and even former Red Bull insiders.
“Verstappen: The Teammate Destroyer”
Max Verstappen’s dominance within Red Bull has become the stuff of legend. From Pierre Gasly to Alexander Albon, and most recently Sergio Pérez, the Dutchman has overshadowed every teammate who has sat alongside him in the garage. In 2024, Verstappen clinched his fourth consecutive world championship, racking up an astonishing 437 points and nine Grand Prix victories. Meanwhile, Pérez managed a modest 152 points with no wins, sealing his exit.
Former Red Bull team boss Franz Tost offered Lawson some critical advice:
“All I can say to Liam is that he needs to focus on his own tasks and never try to compete with Verstappen. Max is one of the greatest of all time, on par with legends like [Ayrton] Senna and [Michael] Schumacher. He isn’t even close to his peak.”
“Why Lawson Over Tsunoda?”
Lawson’s promotion comes amid debate over whether Yuki Tsunoda was the more deserving candidate. Tsunoda, who has been part of the Red Bull junior team since 2021, statistically outperformed Lawson during their head-to-head battles. Despite this, Red Bull’s management chose the New Zealander, citing his potential and adaptability as key factors.
“Both Tsunoda and Lawson deserved the promotion,” Tost admitted, reflecting the difficult decision Red Bull faced.
While Lawson’s raw talent has impressed the team, his ability to handle the relentless pressure of the second Red Bull seat will be scrutinized. Red Bull’s history of mid-season driver changes—most notably swapping Gasly for Albon in 2019—serves as a reminder that Lawson’s position is far from secure.
“The Task Ahead for Lawson”
Lawson’s 2025 campaign will be a baptism of fire. Driving alongside Verstappen, who is widely regarded as one of the all-time greats, presents both an opportunity and a challenge. Red Bull’s expectations are high, and failure to deliver could result in Lawson’s swift removal.
“It’s immensely important for him to hit the ground running,” said an insider. “If things go wrong, Red Bull won’t hesitate to make changes mid-season.”
In such a scenario, Tsunoda could become the prime candidate to step into the main team. The 24-year-old Japanese driver remains a strong contender, and many fans and analysts feel his years of loyalty to the Red Bull program warrant a chance.
“The Stakes for Red Bull and Lawson”
Lawson’s promotion reflects Red Bull’s willingness to take risks on emerging talent, a philosophy that has yielded both triumphs (like Verstappen) and setbacks. For the young Kiwi, 2025 represents a career-defining season. Can he withstand the pressure and thrive under Verstappen’s shadow, or will he join the list of talented drivers who faltered in the high-stakes world of Red Bull Racing?
One thing is certain: all eyes will be on Liam Lawson as the 2025 Formula 1 season unfolds.
