ADVERTISEMENT
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

Liam Lawson’s Red Bull Promotion: Opportunity or Risk for driver and team?

Carl Smith by Carl Smith
December 23, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
The Grin Is Gone, and Lawson’s on a Mission: Kiwi Driver Steps Up as Ricciardo Bows Out

AUSTIN, TEXAS - OCTOBER 17: Liam Lawson of New Zealand and Visa Cash App RB has a seat fitting in the garage during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of United States at Circuit of The Americas on October 17, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202410180001 // Usage for editorial use only //

ADVERTISEMENT

Red Bull Racing is no stranger to taking bold decisions, and the promotion of Liam Lawson to the senior team for 2025 is no exception. While the young Kiwi’s talent is undeniable, Red Bull boss Christian Horner acknowledges the potential pitfalls of pushing Lawson into the spotlight too soon. This decision, while exciting, carries risks reminiscent of past missteps with Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon, both of whom struggled with the intense demands of driving alongside Max Verstappen.


Why Lawson Over Tsunoda?

The choice to elevate Lawson over the more seasoned Yuki Tsunoda signals Red Bull’s faith in the rookie’s mental toughness and raw potential. Horner emphasized Lawson’s resilience, noting his ability to seize opportunities during his 11 F1 starts with the junior team, now rebranded as Racing Bulls.

“He’s shown real resilience and strength of character with the opportunity that’s been provided,” Horner said. “He doesn’t shy away from having a very positive front end in the car.”

This driving style aligns with Verstappen’s, suggesting the pair could share a similar setup philosophy—a crucial factor in maximizing team performance.

ADVERTISEMENT

A Forced Acceleration

Horner admitted that promoting Lawson this early wasn’t the original plan. However, Sergio Perez’s underwhelming 2024 season made the decision inevitable.

“Circumstances have dictated [the acceleration of Lawson’s promotion],” Horner explained. “Checo unfortunately didn’t have a great season, so this has been accelerated.”

Lawson’s trajectory was deemed promising enough to warrant the leap, even if it wasn’t initially scheduled.


Learning from Past Mistakes

Red Bull’s history of promoting young drivers has been hit-or-miss. Both Gasly and Albon struggled under the immense pressure of competing alongside Verstappen, resulting in their demotion to the junior team. However, Horner believes that lessons from these experiences, coupled with Verstappen’s now-established dominance, create a more favorable environment for Lawson.

“When Alex and Pierre were with the team, Max wasn’t a four-time World Champion,” Horner noted. “We have a very clear positioning in the team with where Max is at in his career and what we need from the second driver.”

The RB21, Red Bull’s upcoming car, is also being developed with a broader performance window than its predecessor, the RB20, which had a narrow and unforgiving setup range. This change is aimed at giving Lawson a more adaptable car, reducing the pressure to immediately match Verstappen’s performance.


Managing Expectations

Horner stressed the importance of shielding Lawson from overwhelming expectations. While Verstappen’s supremacy ensures the team’s hierarchy is clear, Lawson’s role will be to support the team’s championship goals without the burden of leading the charge.


Can Lawson Shine Amid the Pressure?

Liam Lawson’s promotion marks a pivotal moment in his young career. With Red Bull’s resources and mentorship, he has the tools to succeed. However, the challenges of competing against a seasoned and dominant teammate like Verstappen cannot be underestimated.

As Horner aptly put it:

“The danger is there’s a repeat of [past struggles]. But Liam is a different character.”

Now, all eyes are on Lawson to see if he can rise to the occasion and establish himself as a future F1 star.

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

Toto Wolff casts doubt on Mercedes’ 2026 F1 dominance: could pessimism derail their comeback?
Motorsports

Toto Wolff casts doubt on Mercedes’ 2026 F1 dominance: could pessimism derail their comeback?

Formula One F1 - Italian Grand Prix - Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza, Italy - September 7, 2025 Mercedes' George Russell...

by Carl Harrison
December 23, 2025
Lando Norris retirement rumors swirl: will F1 champion follow Nico Rosberg’s shocking path?
Motorsports

Lando Norris retirement rumors swirl: will F1 champion follow Nico Rosberg’s shocking path?

Formula One F1 - Dutch Grand Prix - Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort, Netherlands - August 31, 2025 McLaren's Lando Norris on...

by Carl Smith
December 23, 2025
Kimi Antonelli reveals life-changing advice from MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi: a must-read!
Motorsports

Kimi Antonelli reveals life-changing advice from MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi: a must-read!

Racing Royalty: Valentino Rossi's Golden Advice to F1 Sensation Kimi Antonelli! In a thrilling revelation that has sent shockwaves through...

by Arthur Ling
December 23, 2025
Oscar Piastri’s championship dreams soar despite 2025 setback: can he defy the odds?
Motorsports

Oscar Piastri’s championship dreams soar despite 2025 setback: can he defy the odds?

Formula One F1 - Belgian Grand Prix - Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot, Belgium - July 27, 2025 McLaren's Oscar Piastri...

by Carl Smith
December 23, 2025

Recent News

Dongfeng adia início da produção de baterias de estado sólido

Dongfeng has started the production of solid-state batteries.

December 26, 2025
Um milhão de automóveis exportados pela BYD em 2025

One million cars exported by BYD in 2025.

December 26, 2025
Changan anuncia novo motor rotativo

“Changan announces new rotary engine.”

December 26, 2025
Os automóveis preferidos em cada estado dos EUA

The preferred cars in each state of the USA.

December 26, 2025

Newsletter

ADVERTISEMENT

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.