Liam Lawson faces the ultimate challenge: stepping into Red Bull to partner Max Verstappen. Can he rise to the occasion?
Will Liam Lawson outperform Alexander Albon, Pierre Gasly, or Sergio Pérez at Red Bull thanks to his confidence and mental strength?
He is undoubtedly one of the hopes of Christian Horner and Helmut Marko, who have confirmed the New Zealander for next year to partner Max Verstappen.
And he’ll need it—a formidable mindset—to take on the Dutch powerhouse.
Does Liam Lawson never fear self-doubt? Especially considering that Sergio Pérez, far more experienced, was eventually broken mentally by Max Verstappen?
“Self-doubt may not be the right term,” he remarks on this point.
“I strongly believe that no one is perfect, and as a driver, neither am I. There will always be things to learn from and improve on. So, I would say I’m self-critical when it comes to aspects I can perfect.”
“For example, looking back on these six races, I might think: ‘OK, I could have done better here,’ or ‘That wasn’t perfect.’ When you finish a qualifying lap, you think: ‘I braked a little too late here,’ or ‘That wasn’t optimal.’ So I’m very aware of my mistakes.”
“But I think it’s important not to doubt yourself as a driver, because doubting your abilities is different from critiquing your mistakes.”
A driving style similar to Max Verstappen’s?
Another critical factor—perhaps even more significant, or at least related—will be Liam Lawson’s adaptation to Max Verstappen’s very distinctive driving style. As Alexander Albon once noted, the Dutchman favors an extremely sharp and aggressive front end, which unsettles many drivers.
Can Max Verstappen’s style also be Liam Lawson’s? The young driver explores this crucial aspect.
“In terms of driving styles, I don’t know if I fully believe in it. I think every driver has certain things they like in a car, but I’ve spent a lot of time developing this Red Bull car as a junior and reserve driver over the past few years. I think I understand its behavior well.”
“But I don’t entirely buy into the idea that ‘it doesn’t suit your driving style.’ As drivers, we’re professionals. We must adapt to what we’re driving.”
Lawson already knows he’ll be Max Verstappen’s number two. His expectations remain low and measured.
“For anyone teaming up with Max, you have to be realistic and acknowledge that he’s the fastest driver on the grid right now. You’re not going to outqualify him by five-tenths.”
“For me, the opportunity lies in learning from the best.”
“For me, as a driver, being able to work alongside someone who has won four world titles and knows this car inside out is an incredible opportunity.”
“Everything will be in the data I see. The insights he (Max) provides are there, and being able to learn from that is what makes this chance so exciting for me.”
Throughout his career, every mistake Lawson made was followed by an early morning phone call from Helmut Marko. The Doctor has helped shape his mindset, and Lawson expects this to continue.
“If I make a mistake, they explain very precisely what I can improve, and that’s what I’m here to do: learn.”
“I want to have a long career in Formula 1. Helmut applied that pressure from a young age, and it’s helped me become a stronger person.”
“We are all here to win races. That’s really what we’re focused on.”
Ready to handle his ‘stardom’?
Will he still be prepared to cope with the exposure and pressure that come with being part of Red Bull, rather than Racing Bulls?
“If you ask Max or Lewis, I’d say they’d tell you they’re more drivers than celebrities.”
“If someone says they’re more of a celebrity than a driver, they’re in the wrong sport. Obviously, I understand that it’s part of the job.”
“I know it’s part of life as an F1 driver, especially as you climb higher in the ranks and achieve more success.”
“It’s part of the sport, but, obviously, we’re all focused on winning, and that’s really, I’d say, what we’re focused on.”
- Discover More>Chassis or Engine? Bottas Doubts Audi F1’s Strategy
- Follow us on >Facebook and >Twitter for F1 updates
Lawson vs Verstappen: A Test of Skill and Nerves Lawson vs Verstappen: A Test of Skill and Nerves
