Red Bull Has Two ‘Bad Guys’ in F1 2025
The Formula 1 grid has always thrived on rivalries, narratives, and the clash of personalities. For years, Max Verstappen has been the defining “bad guy” of the sport, his aggressive style and take-no-prisoners attitude polarizing fans and experts alike. Now, according to former F1 driver Marc Surer, Red Bull Racing is doubling down on its villainous reputation with a second “bad guy” on the team: Liam Lawson, Verstappen’s new teammate for the F1 2025 season.
Max Verstappen: The Bad Guy Formula 1 Needs
Max Verstappen’s dominance on the track is undisputed. The Dutchman secured his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship last season, brushing aside competition from Lando Norris and other rivals. His on-track clashes, especially with Norris, became a focal point of the season, with dramatic incidents at the Red Bull Ring, Circuit of the Americas, and Mexico City Grand Prix.
While Verstappen’s talent is undeniable, his aggressive tactics have drawn criticism. Former F1 drivers Martin Brundle and Damon Hill have both publicly questioned his racing ethics.
Brundle commented on Sky Sports F1: “This sporting attitude will taint Verstappen’s legacy, and that’s a shame.” Hill was even harsher in his assessment: “I’m not sure Verstappen is capable of racing fairly. It’s not in his repertoire; his philosophy is you are not coming past.”
Yet, as controversial as he may be, Verstappen’s role as the villain brings drama to the sport. Marc Surer acknowledged this on the Formula1.de YouTube channel, saying: “You need a bad guy in Formula 1. There has always been one. And now we have another one. You need that in Formula 1.”
Surer further elaborated that Verstappen, while often crossing the line, embodies the competitive spirit fans love to see. His actions make races unpredictable, ensuring Formula 1 remains exciting.
Liam Lawson: The Rising ‘Bad Guy’
While Verstappen’s reputation precedes him, Liam Lawson is quickly carving out his own image as a “bad guy” in Formula 1. The 22-year-old Kiwi, now Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull, earned this label following a controversial incident at the Mexican Grand Prix last season. Racing against Sergio Perez—his then-teammate at AlphaTauri and a contender for the 2025 Red Bull seat—Lawson didn’t hold back.
On lap 19, Perez attempted to overtake Lawson. Instead of conceding, Lawson kept his foot flat, leading to a collision that damaged Perez’s RB20. The aftermath saw Lawson gesturing angrily at Perez, even flipping him the middle finger—a move that earned him widespread criticism and a stern warning from Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor.
Speaking after the race, Lawson apologized: “It’s one of those in-the-moment things. He spent half the lap blocking me, trying to ruin my race, so I was upset. But it’s not an excuse. I shouldn’t have done it, and I apologize for that.”
Despite the controversy, Lawson’s performance across the season impressed Red Bull’s management, leading to his promotion as Verstappen’s teammate for 2025. His aggressive approach and refusal to back down have drawn comparisons to Verstappen, with Marc Surer declaring him another “bad guy” for Red Bull.
“Liam Lawson has already outed himself as a bad guy,” Surer said. “That shows he doesn’t shy away from anything. He’s another bad guy from the Red Bull camp.”
The Red Bull Dynamic: Two Villains, One Team
The combination of Verstappen and Lawson makes Red Bull one of the most intriguing teams heading into the 2025 season. Both drivers share a no-compromise approach to racing, which could result in internal fireworks. With Verstappen established as the team leader and Lawson eager to prove himself, Red Bull faces the challenge of managing two fiercely competitive personalities.
Lawson’s promotion also signals a shift in Red Bull’s driver strategy. Traditionally, the team has paired Verstappen with a supportive number-two driver, such as Perez or Pierre Gasly. In Lawson, Red Bull has chosen a driver unafraid to stand his ground, even against his own teammate.
This decision reflects Red Bull’s belief in fostering rivalry within the team to push performance. However, it also raises questions about team harmony. If Lawson’s aggressive streak clashes with Verstappen’s dominance, Red Bull could face challenges similar to the infamous Sebastian Vettel-Mark Webber dynamic of the early 2010s.
Why Formula 1 Needs Villains
The presence of “bad guys” like Verstappen and Lawson is essential for Formula 1’s entertainment value. Every sport thrives on narratives, and F1 is no exception. Verstappen’s clashes with rivals like Norris and George Russell—often dubbed the “schemer”—create storylines that capture fans’ imaginations.
Lawson’s addition to the mix adds another layer of intrigue. His willingness to fight, even against teammates, ensures there’s no shortage of drama at Red Bull. This dynamic not only keeps fans engaged but also fuels discussions about the nature of competition in Formula 1.
Surer summed it up best: “We have Lando Norris as the good guy, Russell as perhaps the schemer, and then Max Verstappen, who sometimes overshoots the mark. So I think that’s great.”
F1 2025: A Season of Drama Awaits
As the F1 2025 season kicks off, Red Bull’s driver lineup is poised to be the center of attention. Whether they emerge as heroes or villains, Verstappen and Lawson’s partnership guarantees high-stakes racing and intense rivalries.
For fans, the prospect of two “bad guys” racing for the same team only adds to the anticipation. Will Verstappen maintain his dominance? Can Lawson challenge his teammate while navigating the pressures of Red Bull’s high expectations? One thing is certain: Red Bull Racing is set to deliver an unforgettable season.
