Can Lawson Adapt to Red Bull’s Demands for Glory?

Red Bull has set a high bar for Liam Lawson—delivering the constructors’ title. But can he rise to the challenge?

At Red Bull, the hierarchy is clear: Max Verstappen is the leader, Liam Lawson the ‘wingman.’

Red Bull isn’t asking Lawson to match the Dutchman’s level but to stay close enough for the team to remain in the fight for the constructors’ standings. Last year, Sergio Pérez’s complete collapse dropped Milton Keynes to third place.

Is Lawson, then, destined to be nothing more than Verstappen’s shield or right-hand man on track this season? When questioned by the media, the New Zealander was quick to defend his stance. He sees things differently: his primary goal is the constructors’ championship, not supporting Verstappen first and foremost.

“The team’s objective is to win the constructors’ championship, and obviously, Red Bull didn’t manage that last year. So that’s the clear target for this season.”

“We’re obviously doing everything we can to make the car as fast as possible. And for me, if we find ourselves in a position to fight for the constructors’ title, then that means I’m doing my job well.”

“That’s really where the team’s expectations of me lie, aside from my own personal goals in Formula 1.”

Can Lawson succeed where talented drivers like Alexander Albon, Pierre Gasly, and Sergio Pérez have failed—standing up to Max Verstappen over time? The young driver intends to draw inspiration from his teammate’s driving to improve.

“For me, learning from everything he does—there’s really no one better for that. So yes, it’s more about taking advantage of it and making the most of it rather than seeing it as added pressure.”

A Unique Driving Style for Lawson to Master

If his predecessors struggled, it’s because Max Verstappen’s driving style is one of a kind—an unstable rear end combined with an extremely aggressive front end.

Will Lawson completely change his approach to adapt to Verstappen’s style? Or is he already accustomed to it?

“Honestly, as a reserve driver, I’ve probably spent more time with Red Bull than with VCARB, technically speaking, given the time I dedicated to my reserve role, traveling to races with Red Bull, and working on the simulator.”

“So even if it wasn’t on track—I did some testing here and there—but simply through the time spent helping develop the car and understanding how it drives… you eventually get used to it and realize that’s just how it works.”

“I think having a driving style… Technically, we’re supposed to be professionals, we’re supposed to be able to drive whatever we’re given and maximize its potential. So for me, it’s not really about whether the driving style suits me or not, but rather how I can make the most of it. And I like to think I can.”

The Moment Lawson Knew He Would Join Max Verstappen at Red Bull

As a VCARB driver, Liam Lawson naturally hoped for a promotion to Red Bull’s main team in Milton Keynes. But when exactly did he find out last year that he would indeed be Max Verstappen’s new teammate? Was there a specific turning point?

“To be honest, when you’re racing in Formula 1, especially with VCARB, one of the main reasons a junior or young driver is there is to be evaluated and try to prove they have the level to move up to Red Bull.”

“So when I arrived in Austin, I obviously knew I was there to be assessed, especially coming in at the end of the season like that. There are naturally more reasons to put someone on track at that stage, primarily to evaluate them for the following year.”

“It wasn’t so much about whether I would get an opportunity at Red Bull, VCARB, or elsewhere, but more about proving myself enough to stay in Formula 1.”

“And I think over the course of those races… I don’t know exactly when, but it just became increasingly clear that an opportunity was emerging.”

“But obviously, it was race by race, and it depended entirely on Sergio’s performance, mine, and also that of the other drivers they were monitoring.”

“So yes, it became clearer as the season went on.”