Max Verstappen suggests Liam Lawson could perform better in a Racing Bulls car, adding fuel to talks of a Red Bull switch.
As the Formula 1 paddock sets its sights on the Chinese Grand Prix, all eyes are on the future of New Zealand’s Liam Lawson.
The young driver’s start to the season has been underwhelming, especially in comparison to his Red Bull teammate, Max Verstappen. His struggles haven’t gone unnoticed—on social media, the criticism has been sharp, sometimes even mocking.
Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko hasn’t sugar-coated the situation: Lawson needs to find his rhythm—and fast—or risk being replaced. French prospect Isack Hadjar, who impressed Marko with his performance this weekend, is already being mentioned as a possible successor.
But according to Max Verstappen, Lawson shouldn’t be too disheartened if Red Bull decides to drop him.
In a surprising comment, the four-time world champion suggested that the issue may not lie entirely with Lawson—but rather with the car itself.
“This Racing Bulls car looks easier to drive than ours,” Verstappen admitted. “I see it when I talk with Liam. Last year, the gap between him and Yuki (Tsunoda) wasn’t that big. Red Bull wouldn’t have picked Liam for this seat if they didn’t believe in him.”
A Car That’s Holding Everyone Back?
While Verstappen is aiming for his fifth consecutive world title, he’s clearly frustrated with the performance of Red Bull’s 2025 car. Despite leading the championship, he’s openly admitted he’s not impressed by the car’s balance or pace.
“Right now, we’re simply not fast enough,” he said. “Even if I put together a solid lap, the car’s balance changes corner to corner. It’s unpredictable. The tires degrade faster than expected, and that hurts us over a race distance.”
When asked if he could win in Shanghai, Verstappen’s reply was blunt:
“Only if everyone in front of me retires. Honestly, we’re not there yet.”
Meanwhile, Helmut Marko tried to put a positive spin on things. “The gap to McLaren is smaller than we thought—around a tenth of a second when you combine ideal sector times. So, it’s still wide open.”
Lawson’s Struggles – Or Red Bull’s Reality?
The real question is whether any driver could thrive alongside Verstappen in this car. Even Max admits it’s a tough ask.
“I always look at myself first and try to improve,” he said. “But we’re not where we want to be. And when you look at the gaps between teammates in other teams—they’re much closer. That shows how difficult this car is to drive.”
His closing remark was a clear vote of confidence in Lawson—just not in the Red Bull setup.
“I honestly believe Liam would be quicker if he were in the Racing Bulls. That says a lot about where we are right now.”
Verstappen: Lawson Would Shine Brighter at Racing Bulls
Verstappen: Lawson Would Shine Brighter at Racing Bulls
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