Liam Lawson anticipates a challenging season but sees Verstappen as the perfect mentor to develop his skills before targeting Grand Prix victories.
Liam Lawson expects a challenging start to his first full season as a Formula 1 driver.
Red Bull has promoted Lawson to Max Verstappen’s new teammate after just 11 Grand Prix appearances. The team won nine Grands Prix last year, but Lawson says it is unlikely he will start the season fighting for victories.
“Today, everything is starting to feel more real. I’ve had the winter to take it all in, do simulator work, and process it. Coming into Formula 1, the goal was to perform well to earn a seat in the main team, and I was fortunate to achieve that, so I’m obviously a bit closer to that ultimate target of winning a race one day,” he said today at the unveiling of his new 2025 colors.
“But I still have a lot to accomplish before something like that happens. The goal is to win Grands Prix, but not right away, realistically.”
“Heading into a season like this, especially the start, I’ll be racing on many tracks I’ve never driven before. It’s a new team for me, and I think the expectations are high, so it’s very exciting, but I also expect this to be the toughest year I’ve ever faced.”
Lawson has driven for Red Bull’s second team during the latter half of the past two seasons. Among the circuits F1 will visit early in the season, Lawson has only raced on some in junior categories, while others will be entirely new to him. Melbourne, Shanghai, and Montreal are among the tracks he has yet to experience.
“I’m very excited for Melbourne and for the start of the year. There are a lot of great circuits I haven’t driven on yet that I think I’ll enjoy, like Melbourne. China looks like a fun track, and Canada is a place I’ve always wanted to race.”
“But I think the start of the year will also be the hardest. Going to so many circuits I’ve never raced on before the season even begins is going to be very, very tough.”
“I’ve never really started a full F1 season, and I’ve never really finished one either. So I think the beginning will be the most difficult. But at the same time, I’d say I’m also most excited about experiencing these new circuits.”
Of course, his battle with Max Verstappen will be closely watched. Where does he want to start and finish the season?
“Facing a four-time world champion in the same car will be extremely tough.”
“But at the same time, there’s more opportunity than ever to learn from having someone like him as a teammate—someone who has been with this team for 10 years and has just won the last four world championships. There’s no one better to benchmark everything I do against since all our data will be shared.”
“For me, it’s a great learning opportunity. There’s no one better to improve alongside. So it’s exciting.”
“But obviously, at the same time, having someone that fast and competitive will bring challenges. So for me, it’s just about making the most of it.”
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Lawson Braces for Tough Season, Eyes Verstappen’s Lessons Lawson Braces for Tough Season, Eyes Verstappen’s Lessons
