The dream is now reality, but the challenge ahead is colossal. As Liam Lawson prepares for his first full season as a Red Bull Racing driver, he’s stepping into one of the most ruthless seats in Formula 1 history. The New Zealander, who replaces Sergio Pérez, will partner alongside four-time world champion Max Verstappen—a driver notorious for dismantling teammates.
This isn’t just a seat in a top-tier F1 car. It’s a trial by fire.
“It’s Finally Real”—Lawson Adapts to the Red Bull Pressure Cooker
With pre-season testing just days away and the 2025 F1 season kicking off in Melbourne, the 23-year-old Kiwi is now coming to grips with what it means to be a Red Bull driver.
“I think today it’s starting to feel a lot more real,” Lawson admitted in his first official interview since securing the drive. “It was the first time I had a confirmed seat going into a season break, so I had a lot more time to sit on it.”
For a driver who has been floating between Red Bull and its junior team for years, the security of a full-time seat felt almost unreal. But now, the focus is on delivering results in the most pressure-packed environment in Formula 1.
The Ultimate Learning Curve—Can Lawson Survive?
Red Bull’s second seat has crushed many talented drivers before him—Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, even Sergio Pérez struggled to keep up with Verstappen’s relentless dominance.
Lawson is under no illusions about the difficulty ahead.
“It’s going to be extremely challenging, but at the same time, there’s more opportunity than ever. Having a teammate like Max Verstappen—someone who has been in this team for 10 years and just won the last four championships—there’s nobody better to align everything I’m doing with.”
It’s a brutal test, but if Lawson can hold his own against Verstappen, his career trajectory will skyrocket.
A Season of Unknowns—New Circuits, New Battles
Lawson isn’t just stepping into a front-running car—he’s also racing on circuits he’s never driven before in an F1 setting.
“I’m going to a lot of tracks I haven’t done before. It’s a new team, with big expectations, so it’s very exciting, but also the toughest year I’ve ever come into.”
Among the most daunting tracks for Lawson will be:
🏁 Melbourne (Australia) – His home race, but also his first time racing there in F1
🏁 Shanghai (China) – Returning to the F1 calendar after a long absence
🏁 Montreal (Canada) – A technical, high-speed challenge that punishes mistakes
🏁 Miami (USA) – A modern street circuit that demands precision and confidence
Despite the steep learning curve, Lawson isn’t backing down.
“I’m very excited for Melbourne and the start of the year. There are a lot of cool tracks that I haven’t done yet that I think I’ll enjoy. It’s going to be hard, but I’m also most excited to go to these new tracks.”
Inside the Red Bull Machine—The Culture of Champions
Lawson has been embedded in the Red Bull system for years, serving as a reserve driver and filling in for AlphaTauri in 2023. That experience has given him rare insight into how a championship-winning team operates.
“I’ve been lucky enough to be a reserve for the team for quite a few years. I got to see how the team operates, and what I’ve noticed the most is how calm and methodical they are.”
That cool efficiency—from pit stops to race strategy—has been a defining trait of Red Bull’s dominance in recent seasons.
“Everything just works in harmony,” Lawson explained. “It’s incredible to see how experienced everyone is—and of course, they build a fast race car.”
Now, he must prove he can extract the maximum from that machine.
The Countdown Begins—A Defining Season Awaits
Lawson’s Red Bull career officially begins in Australia—a high-pressure debut in front of his home crowd. The expectations are massive:
🔥 Can he handle the relentless pace of Max Verstappen?
🔥 Will he adapt quickly to new circuits and the demands of a top-tier F1 team?
🔥 Is he the long-term answer to Red Bull’s revolving door of second drivers?
One thing is certain—he’s not backing down.
“I’m excited. It’s a big opportunity, and I’ll do my absolute best. I’m ready to get into it.”
Now, the real test begins.
