Liam Lawson is gearing up for his first full Formula 1 season with Red Bull, but departing driver Sergio Perez has issued a sobering warning: partnering Max Verstappen is one of the toughest gigs in motorsport. As the 22-year-old Kiwi prepares to step into the seat vacated by Perez, the Mexican veteran shared his perspective on the immense challenges Lawson will face.
Perez: Partnering Verstappen Requires More Than Talent
After months of speculation, Red Bull parted ways with Perez, bringing Lawson into the fold. While Lawson’s promotion is a dream opportunity, Perez made it clear that being Verstappen’s teammate is not for the faint-hearted.
“Being teammates with Max at Red Bull as a young driver, I wouldn’t like to be in those shoes,” Perez admitted. “People cannot underestimate the level of challenge that they’re seeing.”
Perez, a seasoned F1 driver, struggled to consistently match Verstappen during his tenure at Red Bull. The Dutchman’s dominance, coupled with the mental and physical demands of competing at such a high level, created a pressure-cooker environment that Perez believes could be even tougher for an inexperienced driver like Lawson.
The Verstappen Effect: A Test of Mental Fortitude
Perez highlighted the unique challenges of being Verstappen’s teammate, emphasizing the mental strength required to handle the pressure of comparison to a four-time world champion.
“It’s an incredible challenge,” Perez said. “I knew what I signed up for when I came here. It’s an incredible challenge that people should not underestimate—the level of experience, the level of capacity, of mental strength that you need to cope with the extreme challenge.”
Verstappen’s relentless pace, coupled with Red Bull’s car design often tailored to his driving style, has historically made it difficult for teammates to shine. Perez’s warning underscores the daunting task ahead for Lawson, who will need to adapt quickly while managing the intense scrutiny that comes with being in the same garage as Verstappen.
Liam Lawson: The Next Big Test
Lawson’s rise to Red Bull has drawn comparisons to Verstappen’s own early career trajectory. Like Verstappen, Lawson is stepping into a top-tier team at a young age, with just 11 F1 races under his belt. While the New Zealander has shown promise, Perez’s comments serve as a reminder of the steep learning curve that awaits him.
Lawson will not only need to showcase raw speed but also develop the mental toughness to compete against a teammate who is already regarded as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Perez’s Next Chapter
As Lawson takes the wheel, Perez steps away from F1—at least temporarily. The 34-year-old has not ruled out a return in 2026, though he has hinted at exploring other opportunities, including a potential move to IndyCar.
For now, Perez seems relieved to leave the high-pressure environment of Red Bull behind, but he remains reflective about the unique challenges he faced during his tenure.
A Pivotal Year for Red Bull and Lawson
As Red Bull begins its 2025 campaign, all eyes will be on Lawson to see if he can rise to the challenge of partnering Verstappen. While Perez’s tenure serves as a cautionary tale, it also highlights the resilience required to compete at the highest level.
For Lawson, 2025 represents both the opportunity of a lifetime and a trial by fire. Can the young Kiwi rise to the occasion, or will he join the list of talented drivers who struggled to thrive alongside Verstappen? Only time will tell.