Max Verstappen’s reign at Red Bull Racing has solidified his status as one of Formula 1’s most dominant drivers. However, his supremacy has also earned him the controversial label of a “teammate destroyer.” High-profile drivers such as Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and Sergio Perez have struggled to match Verstappen’s performance, leading to their eventual exits or demotions. With Liam Lawson stepping in as Verstappen’s partner in 2025, questions arise—can Lawson break the trend, or will he face the same fate?
Why Verstappen’s Teammates Struggle
Liam Lawson, set to join Red Bull in 2025, offered insights into Verstappen’s dominance during a recent interview with Sky F1. Having tested the Red Bull car multiple times, Lawson highlighted the vehicle’s unique demands:
“I’ve driven the car over the last couple of years and done tests, and I can say the car is very aggressive and it takes a lot of confidence to drive it, honestly.”
According to Lawson, Verstappen’s success isn’t just about car compatibility but also his sheer skill and confidence, which set him apart:
“The main thing is just he’s the best in the world right now, so to go up against the best guy is always going to be very, very tough. And ultimately, that’s probably the main reason that anybody has struggled so far to go up against him.”
This perspective sheds light on Verstappen’s ability to push the car to its limits—a feat his teammates have struggled to replicate.
Driving Style and Adaptability
While many speculate that Verstappen’s car setup favors his driving style, Lawson expressed skepticism about this theory. He emphasized that professional drivers should be able to adapt to any setup:
“I don’t really know if I believe in it so much in terms of a driving style. I think as drivers, we’re professionals, we have to adapt to whatever we’re driving.”
Lawson’s remarks suggest that the performance gap is less about setup preferences and more about Verstappen’s extraordinary talent and adaptability behind the wheel.
A New Era with Liam Lawson
As Red Bull prepares for Lawson’s debut, fans and analysts are eager to see whether he can break the cycle of struggling teammates. Lawson’s promotion signals Red Bull’s confidence in his ability, but the pressure of partnering Verstappen cannot be underestimated.
Isack Hadjar’s Promotion to Racing Bulls
Lawson’s move to Red Bull also triggers changes in Red Bull’s junior team, Racing Bulls. Isack Hadjar, the 2024 Formula 2 runner-up, steps up to join Yuki Tsunoda. Hadjar’s promotion highlights Red Bull’s commitment to nurturing young talent, though his journey will also be closely watched as he adapts to Formula 1.
The Future at Red Bull: Can Lawson End the Cycle?
Lawson’s arrival marks a new chapter at Red Bull, but Verstappen’s dominance remains the benchmark. Given his consistent ability to outperform teammates, Lawson faces a daunting challenge. However, his confidence and preparation suggest he may be better equipped than his predecessors.
Conclusion
Max Verstappen’s reputation as a “teammate destroyer” stems from his unmatched skills and ability to extract peak performance from Red Bull’s aggressive cars. While Liam Lawson acknowledges the challenges ahead, his optimism and adaptability offer hope for a more balanced partnership. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Lawson to see if he can rise to the occasion—or become another name on Verstappen’s growing list of defeated teammates.
