After serving as a reserve driver and stepping in for a handful of races over the past two seasons, Liam Lawson is finally taking on a full-time Formula 1 seat in 2025. Promoted to the Red Bull Racing team, Lawson now partners reigning world champion Max Verstappen. He is stepping into one of the most coveted—and scrutinized—positions in motorsport. For the young New Zealander, this is both a career-defining opportunity and a daunting challenge.
A gradual but promising rise
Liam Lawson’s road to a full-time Red Bull seat has been steady and impressive. Since breaking onto the scene as a reserve driver in 2023, he has demonstrated both adaptability and potential. Lawson’s performances in his substitute role for Racing Bulls has caught the attention of key figures in the paddock, especially his composed drives under pressure.
These outings, paired with his solid résumé in junior categories, proved Lawson could handle the demands of Formula 1. However, as he takes up one of the most competitive seats on the grid, he faces the pressure of translating promise into consistent results over a gruelling 24-race season.
Pressure at the pinnacle
Red Bull Racing is a team known for delivering championships—but also for its ruthless approach to driver management. Lawson steps into a role previously held by Sergio Pérez. He found success as Verstappen’s wingman but ultimately fell miles short of expectations in 2024.
Lawson enters an environment where patience is limited, and the need to perform is immediate. With the team’s focus firmly on Verstappen’s quest for a fifth title, Lawson’s role will primarily be that of a supporting driver. However, simply staying in Verstappen’s shadow won’t guarantee his long-term place in the team.
For Liam Lawson, the challenge lies in striking a delicate balance: helping Red Bull secure the Constructors’ Championship while proving he has the pace and consistency to stand on his own merits.
The Verstappen factor
Sharing a garage with Max Verstappen is no small task. The Dutchman’s dominance over the past few years has left little room for his teammates to shine. Established or relatively new drivers have been struggling to match his pace. While Lawson will have access to the same machinery, replicating Verstappen’s performance is unlikely.
Instead, Lawson will need to focus on maximizing his own results and seizing opportunities as they come. Whether that means securing podiums when Verstappen falters or consistently finishing high in the points, Lawson’s ability to capitalize on race-day scenarios will be closely scrutinized.
What’s at stake
At 23 years old, Lawson’s first full season is a chance to prove he belongs at the top of motorsport. Red Bull’s high standards and history of cycling through second drivers mean the stakes are higher than ever. While Lawson has shown resilience and maturity, he’ll need to deliver consistently strong performances to secure his future within the team.
The 2025 season is not just about helping Red Bull maintain their dominance; it’s about cementing Lawson’s place in Formula 1. With each race, he’ll be under the microscope, tasked with not only supporting Verstappen but also making his own mark in the sport’s most competitive environment.
