In a sport where team orders and supporting roles often define a driver’s career trajectory, Red Bull’s Liam Lawson is carving out his own narrative as he heads into his first full campaign in F1.
In the wake of his promotion to the bulls’ senior outfit where he has replaced Sergio Perez, Lawson has made it clear that his ambitions extend far beyond playing second fiddle to the team’s talisman, Max Verstappen.
Instead, his eyes are set on a collective mission: reclaiming the F1 Constructors’ Championship for Red Bull.
A Clear Goal for 2025: Team First
After two separate partial stints in F1 with Visa Cash App RB, in 2023 and 2024, Lawson will undertake his first full season in the series armed with a mix of youthful determination and undeniable talent.
When asked whether his primary task in 2025 was to support Verstappen in his title hunt, the 23-year-old was diplomatic yet resolute in his response.
“I mean the team’s goal is to win the constructors’ and obviously they weren’t able to do that last year, and that’s the clear goal going into this year,” Lawson said during the F1 75 Live event held in London earlier this week.
Red Bull, historically a powerhouse in Formula 1, suffered a rare setback in 2024, slipping to third in the constructors’ standings – their lowest finish since 2019.
Much of this was attributed to Perez’s underwhelming second half of the season, leaving Verstappen to shoulder the bulk of the points haul.
With Lawson stepping into the Mexican’s racing boots, the team is banking on the young Kiwi to deliver consistent performances alongside Verstappen’s relentless dominance.
Lawson is well aware of what’s at stake.
“So obviously we’re doing the best job we can to make the car as fast as possible,” he continued. “And for me, if we’re in a position that we’re fighting for winning the constructors’, then I’m doing my job.
“So I think that’s really where the team’s goal for me and their expectation for me is at, outside of obviously my goals in Formula 1.”
Learning from the Best: Lawson’s Take on Verstappen
Sharing the garage with a four-time world champion like Max Verstappen is no small feat, especially given Verstappen’s track record of outpacing – and ultimately destroying – his teammates.
Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and most recently Sergio Perez all struggled to match the Dutchman’s blistering pace. However, Lawson is embracing the challenge with a mindset focused on growth.
“For me, getting to learn off everything he’s doing, there’s really nobody better to do that,” he said, reflecting on the opportunity to study Verstappen up close.
“So yeah, it’s more about making the most and taking advantage of that rather than thinking about it in a way that’s going to obviously put extra pressure on me.”
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This pragmatic approach highlights the Kiwi’s mental fortitude – something that caught Red Bull’s eye during his brief stint with VCARB in 2024.
Lawson’s aggressive wheel-to-wheel battles with seasoned pros like Fernando Alonso and Sergio Perez showcased his racecraft and his potential to thrive under pressure.
Max’s Vote of Confidence
Verstappen himself seems optimistic about Lawson’s addition to the team, offering words of encouragement that reflect the respect the reigning champion holds for his new teammate.
“I’m sure it’s going to be fine – I’ve seen Liam grow throughout the junior team and he fully deserves his shot with the team,” the Dutchman remarked.
“So I’m just very excited to get to work, and just work together with the team, try to improve the car, and have a great season together.”
In a rare moment of self-reflection, Verstappen also acknowledged his new role as the veteran in the team.
“It’s the first time that I’m the older driver as well. Let’s see where we are going to head together. He’s a very nice guy. I’m just happy to get started.”
Lawson’s unflinching attitude and hunger to succeed signal that he’s ready for the challenge.
As he takes his place in one of the most high-pressure seats on the grid, all eyes will be on the young Kiwi to see if he can rise to the occasion and deliver for Red Bull Racing in 2025.
