Red Bull’s decision to promote Liam Lawson to the senior team for the 2025 Formula 1 season has ignited speculation, and former world champion Jacques Villeneuve isn’t holding back. The Canadian racing legend believes the 22-year-old Kiwi has far more ambitious plans than just being a supportive teammate to Max Verstappen.
Lawson’s ambitious arrival at Red Bull
Lawson’s rise to Red Bull Racing was confirmed late in the off-season after the team opted to part ways with Sergio Perez, placing their trust in the young driver to partner Verstappen. While the official narrative positions Lawson as Verstappen’s supporting act, Villeneuve suggests that the New Zealander has his sights set higher.
“Contractually, Lawson is there to help Verstappen, but in his own head, he’s not. He’s there to replace Max,” Villeneuve stated. “He will try to be tough and quick from day one because he knows what this opportunity represents.”
The 22-year-old will embark on his first full Formula 1 season under immense pressure. Historically, Red Bull has struggled to find a driver who can match Verstappen’s relentless pace, with former teammates often faltering under the weight of expectations.
Will Lawson challenge Verstappen?
Villeneuve predicts that Lawson’s presence could challenge Verstappen in ways the Dutchman hasn’t experienced since Daniel Ricciardo’s departure in 2018. Verstappen’s recent years have been relatively uncontested, with teammates unable to provide meaningful pressure. Villeneuve argues that this dynamic could shift in 2025.
“Hopefully, it will put Max under pressure and push him to drive even better,” Villeneuve said. “This kind of competition benefits the entire team, forcing progress and raising the bar for everyone involved.”
Red Bull’s leadership has consistently prioritized Verstappen, building cars tailored to his unique driving style. Lawson will face the same challenges that plagued his predecessors—adapting to a car that demands precision and mastery, something even experienced drivers like Perez and Pierre Gasly struggled to achieve.
High stakes for Lawson
For Lawson, the stakes couldn’t be higher. If he manages to adapt quickly and demonstrate his potential, he could position himself as Red Bull’s long-term leader. But failure to perform could see him following the path of past Red Bull juniors, sidelined after falling short of expectations.
Lawson’s debut season as Verstappen’s teammate will not only test his skills but also his mental resilience. Matching a four-time world champion like Verstappen is no small feat, especially with the team’s weight of expectation resting heavily on his shoulders.
A season to watch
Red Bull’s 2025 lineup adds another layer of intrigue to an already exciting season. Can Lawson rise to the occasion and challenge Verstappen, or will he buckle under the pressure of the Red Bull environment? Only time will tell if Villeneuve’s bold prediction will come true.