This season, Liam Lawson makes his debut at Red Bull. After a few stand-ins in 2023, he was called up last year to permanently replace Daniel Ricciardo at the sister team, Racing Bulls. Not much later, he would inherit Sergio Pérez’s seat. Does the 23-year-old New Zealander have title ambitions, or does he see himself primarily as the new second fiddle to Max Verstappen?
In the run-up to the F1 75 event in London, Lawson was asked about his role at Red Bull. Last year, the team helped Max Verstappen to nine victories and his fourth world title in Formula 1. It’s clear that the Austrians have the potential to give Lawson a championship-worthy car, but can the young driver make optimal use of it? Many experts expect him to play a supporting role primarily.
Teammate of Max Verstappen
“The goal is to win the constructors’ title,” Lawson responded evasively. “That clearly didn’t happen last year.” In 2024, Red Bull finished in a disappointing third place, partly due to Sergio Pérez’s underwhelming season. This year, the team naturally wants to make amends. “We’re doing our utmost to make the car as fast as possible,” he continued. “For me, it means that I do my job when we’re competing for the constructors’ title.”
“That is truly the goal and what is expected of me, aside from my personal ambitions in Formula 1,” he added mysteriously. Lawson will have quite a challenge alongside Max Verstappen. The Dutchman is in the form of his life and has seen many teammates come and go. Daniel Ricciardo chose to play it safe, Pierre Gasly was fired after half a season, and Alex Albon was also sidelined. Sergio Pérez managed to last four seasons, but he too eventually faded next to Verstappen. Lawson prefers to look on the bright side: “There is no one from whom you can learn more,” he concluded. “I have to make the best of it instead of worrying about extra pressure.”
