In a major shake-up, Red Bull has introduced 22-year-old Liam Lawson as Max Verstappen’s teammate for the 2025 Formula 1 season, replacing Sergio Perez. While the Kiwi rookie faces a daunting challenge against the dominant Dutchman, he is being 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 multiple seasons with the Austrian squad, Perez struggled to match Verstappen’s dominance, finishing a staggering 280 points behind in 2024.
Enter Liam Lawson—a young, hungry, and promising talent who has already turned heads with his performances in Red Bull’s junior programs. For Lawson, this is more than just a promotion; it’s a chance to cement his place in Formula 1’s elite.
“Liam is not just a placeholder,” an insider from Red Bull shared. “He’s part of the team’s long-term strategy, particularly if Verstappen decides to leave F1 in the future.”
Verstappen’s shadow
Lawson’s debut season comes with the unenviable task of sharing a garage with Max Verstappen, a driver who has annihilated teammates in recent years. As Red Bull’s clear number one, Verstappen enjoys the full confidence of the team, and there’s no indication that this dynamic will change in 2025.
However, Lawson’s arrival isn’t meant to perpetuate the “number two” driver dynamic that plagued his predecessors. Red Bull sees Lawson as a future leader, not just a wingman.
“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 at the front.”
A high-stakes opportunity
Lawson’s first year in Formula 1 will be no walk in the park. Red Bull has been a notoriously high-pressure environment, and Verstappen’s dominance means Lawson must immediately rise to the challenge. 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 hinges on two key factors:
- Staying consistent under pressure: Avoiding mistakes and keeping close to Verstappen will be crucial.
- Impressing the team: Lawson must show adaptability and resilience, traits that Red Bull values in a potential future leader.
The road ahead
While Verstappen remains the team’s centerpiece, Red Bull’s investment in Liam Lawson indicates a shift toward preparing for a post-Verstappen era. If the Kiwi driver can deliver solid performances and show promise in his first season, he may well become Red Bull’s long-term solution to the inevitable departure of their superstar.
“The road won’t be easy,” an F1 analyst commented. “But if Lawson can thrive in Verstappen’s shadow, Red Bull may have found their next big star.”