As Max Verstappen’s reign at Red Bull Racing reaches its peak, the Austrian team appears to be preparing for a potential post-Verstappen era, with the promotion of Liam Lawson signaling a strategic shift for the future.
Max Verstappen, who has been synonymous with Red Bull Racing’s success since joining the team in 2016, remains at the pinnacle of Formula 1. The Dutch driver has secured four World Championships, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest. However, whispers of Verstappen’s possible exit have begun to circulate, prompting Red Bull to look toward a future beyond their star driver.
The Verstappen conundrum
Verstappen’s current contract ties him to Red Bull until the end of 2028. Despite this, the 27-year-old has hinted at exploring opportunities outside Formula 1, including talks with rival teams such as Mercedes. Verstappen has also expressed an interest in racing outside the sport, raising concerns about his long-term commitment to Red Bull.
Adding to the tension, Verstappen reportedly threatened to leave the team during a tumultuous period last year, further underscoring the uncertainty surrounding his future.
Liam Lawson’s arrival: The beginning of a new era?
Red Bull’s decision to promote junior driver Liam Lawson for the 2025 season marks a pivotal moment for the team. Lawson, a 22-year-old Kiwi talent, has demonstrated immense potential and is seen as a rising star within Red Bull’s driver program.
Lawson’s promotion comes at the expense of Sergio Perez, who was dropped after four seasons as Verstappen’s teammate. Perez, while a capable driver, struggled to match Verstappen’s dominance, leading Red Bull to seek fresh talent to complement their lineup.
Lawson’s 2025 debut provides the young driver with an opportunity to acclimate to the high-pressure environment of Red Bull and learn directly from Verstappen. The team hopes Lawson’s development will position him as a future leader, reducing its reliance on Verstappen.
Red Bull’s strategic pivot
Red Bull’s proactive approach reflects its understanding of the risks associated with over-reliance on a single driver. Verstappen has been the de facto leader since Daniel Ricciardo’s departure in 2018, outperforming teammates like Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and Perez by significant margins.
By integrating Lawson into the team early, Red Bull aims to create a more balanced driver lineup that can maintain competitiveness, even in the event of Verstappen’s departure.
Protecting Verstappen while planning for the future
While Red Bull is preparing for the possibility of life without Verstappen, losing the Dutch driver remains an unthinkable prospect for the team. Verstappen’s dominance has been instrumental in securing multiple Constructors’ Championships and establishing Red Bull as the benchmark in Formula 1.
However, having a capable backup plan, in the form of Lawson, gives Red Bull leverage in future negotiations with Verstappen. It also ensures the team can weather any sudden changes without losing its competitive edge.
2025: A transitional season
The 2025 season will be critical for both Verstappen and Lawson. For Verstappen, it’s an opportunity to reaffirm his dominance as Red Bull’s leader. For Lawson, it’s a chance to prove he can rise to the challenge and become a cornerstone of Red Bull’s future.
As Red Bull balances its immediate ambitions with long-term planning, one thing is clear: the team is leaving nothing to chance in its quest to remain at the forefront of Formula 1.
