Liam Lawson feels he “understands” how the Red Bull F1 car drives and believes the onus is on him to adapt to any intricacies as he succeeds Sergio Perez alongside Max Verstappen.
With just 11 races under his belt, Liam Lawson is set to become a frontrunner in Formula 1 in 2025. Red Bull has signed the Kiwi driver to replace Sergio Perez, meaning Lawson will race alongside the four-time F1 World Champion, Max Verstappen, for his first full season.
Liam Lawson: Professional Drivers Must Adapt
It’s a huge challenge for Lawson, who faces a steep learning curve alongside Verstappen as Red Bull aims to fight for the Constructors’ Championship in F1 2025.
Perez’s performance in 2024 highlighted a gulf in consistency, with the Mexican scoring just a third of Verstappen’s points tally. This disparity allowed McLaren and Ferrari to overcome Red Bull in the closing stages of the championship.
As the young driver gears up to join Red Bull Racing’s main lineup, the expectations are enormous. Christian Horner and Helmut Marko have expressed confidence in Lawson’s ability to perform under pressure, though the transition from reserve driver to full-time competitor brings its own set of hurdles.
Liam Lawson’s Red Bull Journey
Promoted from within, Lawson has been part of the Red Bull Driver Programme since 2018. He impressed senior management by substituting for an injured Daniel Ricciardo in 2023 and earned a full-time seat after a solid six-race audition. His performances during those races showcased not only his raw talent but also his ability to handle high-pressure situations, a critical skill for anyone racing at Red Bull Racing.
Unlike Perez, whose performances fluctuated significantly in 2024, Lawson’s consistency and adaptability make him a promising addition to the team. The Kiwi’s work ethic and eagerness to learn have set him apart, and his promotion signals Red Bull’s willingness to invest in young talent to maintain their dominance.
Self-Critique and Adaptation
When speaking with PlanetF1.com, Lawson highlighted his self-awareness and adaptability:
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“I firmly believe that nobody’s perfect, and as a driver, I’m not perfect.”
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“As professionals, we have to adapt to whatever we’re driving.”
This straightforward approach mirrors Verstappen’s honesty, showcasing Lawson’s readiness for challenges. Adaptability is key in Formula 1, and Lawson’s attitude reflects a mature understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
The Kiwi driver has shown an impressive ability to adapt to different driving styles and car setups, a quality that will be essential as he transitions to Red Bull’s highly optimized machinery. Unlike other teams, Red Bull’s cars are designed with Verstappen’s aggressive driving style in mind, often making it challenging for teammates to match his pace. Lawson’s adaptability, however, gives him a distinct advantage in this environment.
Learning from Max Verstappen
Lawson acknowledges the difficulty of competing alongside Verstappen, the fastest driver on the grid. Rather than viewing the situation as a threat, he sees it as an opportunity for growth:
“It’s more about the opportunity to learn from the best.”
“For me, it’s exciting to have access to his data and learn from it.”
This mindset underscores Lawson’s commitment to self-improvement. By analyzing Verstappen’s telemetry data, Lawson hopes to refine his own skills and close the performance gap. This level of introspection and willingness to learn is a hallmark of successful drivers in Formula 1.
Pressure as a Stepping Stone
Facing scrutiny from Christian Horner and Helmut Marko, Lawson has proven he can handle pressure. He believes the intense critique has helped shape him into a stronger driver. During his stint as a reserve driver in 2024, Lawson’s resilience and determination were on full display. Despite limited opportunities to showcase his talent, he made every moment count, earning the trust of the Red Bull Racing hierarchy.
Challenges and Expectations
The transition to a full-time race seat brings a unique set of challenges for Lawson. Not only does he need to adapt to Red Bull’s intricate car design, but he also has to perform at a level that satisfies the team’s high expectations. Max Verstappen’s dominance sets an intimidating benchmark, and Lawson will need to find his own way to contribute meaningfully to the team’s success.
One of the critical aspects of Lawson’s development will be his ability to handle the intense scrutiny that comes with driving for a top-tier team like Red Bull Racing. Media expectations, fan pressure, and internal competition can all be overwhelming, but Lawson’s calm demeanor and mental toughness suggest he is well-equipped to navigate these challenges.
A Promising Future in F1
Starting as a reserve driver in 2024, Lawson defied odds to secure a full-time seat. His resilience and grit have earned him the opportunity to shine with one of the best cars in F1. His promotion to Red Bull Racing marks the beginning of what could be a stellar career in Formula 1.
As Liam Lawson prepares to race alongside Max Verstappen, he’s poised to balance the challenges of adapting to the Red Bull F1 car, learning from a champion, and carving out his legacy in Formula 1. With his talent, work ethic, and the backing of a championship-winning team, Lawson is well-positioned to make a significant impact on the sport. The 2025 season promises to be an exciting chapter in Formula 1, with Liam Lawson’s journey being one of its most compelling storylines.
