In a major shake-up, Red Bull introduced 22-year-old Liam Lawson as Max Verstappen’s teammate for the 2025 Formula 1 season, replacing Sergio Perez. Although the New Zealand rookie faces a formidable challenge against the dominant Dutchman, he is groomed as Red Bull’s future star.
A changing of the guard
Red Bull’s decision to replace Perez signals a new direction for the team. Despite several seasons with the Austrian team, Perez has struggled to match Verstappen’s dominance, finishing an incredible 280 points behind in 2024.
Meet Liam Lawson—a hungry and promising young talent who has already attracted attention with his performances in Red Bull’s junior programs. For Lawson, it’s not just about a promotion; it’s a chance to cement his place among Formula 1’s elite.
“Liam is not just a replacement,” a Red Bull insider shared. “It is part of the team’s long-term strategy, particularly if Verstappen decides to leave F1 in the future.”
L’ombre de Verstappen
Lawson’s first season comes with the unenviable task of sharing a garage with Max Verstappen, a driver who has annihilated his teammates in recent years. As Red Bull’s clear number one, Verstappen has the full confidence of the team, and there is no indication that dynamic will change in 2025.
However, Lawson’s arrival is not intended to perpetuate the “number two” driver dynamic that plagued his predecessors. Red Bull sees Lawson as a future leader, not just a support driver.
-“The focus will naturally be on Verstappen, but Lawson will be given opportunities to prove himself,” says Helmut Marko. “He’s young, talented and capable of driving up front.”
A high-stakes opportunity
Lawson’s first year in Formula 1 will not be a walk in the park. Red Bull has been a notoriously high-pressure environment, and Verstappen’s dominance means Lawson must step up to the challenge immediately. However, Red Bull’s willingness to invest in Lawson suggests they see him as a potential heir to Verstappen, who has hinted at a possible early exit from the sport.
Lawson’s success depends on two key factors:
- Staying consistent under pressure: Avoiding mistakes and staying close to Verstappen will be crucial.
- Impress the team: Lawson must demonstrate adaptability and resilience, traits that Red Bull values in a potential future leader.
The road ahead
While Verstappen remains the team’s mainstay, Red Bull’s investment in Liam Lawson indicates a shift towards preparing for a post-Verstappen era. If the New Zealand driver can deliver solid performances and show potential in his debut season, he could well become Red Bull’s long-term solution to the inevitable departure of their superstar.
“The road will not be easy,” commented one F1 analyst. “But if Lawson can thrive in Verstappen’s shadow, Red Bull may have found their next big star.”
