New Zealand’s rising Formula 1 star, Liam Lawson, has been tasked by Red Bull’s chief advisor, Helmut Marko, to be a regular point earner and an ally to team-mate Max Verstappen. With the commencement of the 2025 season, Lawson is set to embark on his first full Formula 1 expedition, carrying high expectations on his shoulders.
Lawson’s elevation to the Red Bull team comes in the wake of Sergio Perez’s exit from his driving seat at the end of the 2024 season. With Perez’s seat now filled by Lawson, the question remains: Can he outshine Perez’s lackluster performance of the previous season, which saw Red Bull sliding to third in the Constructors’ standings?
Lawson, who has risen through the ranks with just 11 appearances for Red Bull’s junior team VCARB (formerly AlphaTauri) in the 2023/24 seasons, is now seated in one of the most sought-after positions in the grid. His promotion, however, is met with a realistic approach as he pairs up with Verstappen, the current four-time World Champion.
In a candid discussion with PlanetF1.com, Lawson, who is about to face off against the fastest racer on the grid, said, “For anyone to compete against Max, there needs to be a touch of realism. Outqualifying him by half a second is a far-fetched notion. Instead, the real opportunity lies in learning from the best.”
With Lawson’s role clearly outlined, Marko, in conversation with Austrian media outlet OE24, stated that the New Zealander’s responsibility is to consistently gather points and assist Verstappen whenever required.
The strategic implications of Lawson’s position were further highlighted by Red Bull Team Principal, Christian Horner, who likened the situation to football. He stated, “A team cannot have two leading centre forwards. It needs strength and depth.”
Horner’s comments hint towards Lawson’s special role in the team, bringing his experience to the fore. This will provide the team with the necessary depth in engineering and tactical aspects, as the 2025 season is anticipated to be intensely competitive, featuring teams like Ferrari with strong drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, and McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
Despite the individual interests of drivers in the Championship, the team’s needs cannot be ignored. Horner stressed on the importance of clear communication and being upfront with the drivers. Remarking on Red Bull’s approach, he stated, “Max Verstappen is the most valuable asset in Formula 1. He’s our lead driver. Getting close to him would be fantastic, but the expectation is for Max to win.”
The Red Bull strategy starkly contrasts with teams like Ferrari, who will potentially see their drivers taking points off each other. This could lead to division within a team, as choosing who to back becomes a challenge. Thus, each team’s approach will be crucial in shaping the 2025 F1 season.
