Lawson on the "reason" why drivers "struggle to go up against" Verstappen
F1 News
2025 will bring an all-new challenge for Liam Lawson in the world of Formula 1. After competing in just 11 Grands Prix, Red Bull Racing have decided that he is the future of their team, as he will now race alongside Max Verstappen. Touted as the hardest seat on the whole grid, the New Zealander will have his work cut out to even try to challenge the Dutchman.
Lawson first came to the pinnacle of motorsport in 2023, replacing an injured Daniel Ricciardo at the then-Alpha Tauri after the Dutch Grand Prix. In his debut race at the Italian Grand Prix, the 22-year-old showed his immense talent, finishing just outside of the points in P11. Then, just a race later, his first points finish came at the Singapore Grand Prix with a fantastic P9.
In 2024, Visa Cash App RB then decided to stick with Ricciardo, despite the impressive showing from Lawson. However, after the Singapore Grand Prix, the New Zealander came back, his time replacing the Australian for good until the conclusion of the 2024 season. Once again, he returned to F1 with ease, finishing in the points in his first race back at the United States Grand Prix. Lawson continued with this form until the season's end, resulting in him being chosen over teammate Yuki Tsunoda to replace Sergio Perez.
Lawson "excited" to get January "preparations" underway
As a result, 2025 will be the first full season that Lawson has had in F1, which will be yet another challenge he will have to balance out as he comes into one of the biggest teams on the grid. But it is a challenge that he is relishing
Speaking to Sky Sports, Lawson spoke about the fact that 2025 will be his first full season: "It's something that I've never had, and it's exciting. We'll start early, I'm sure in January we'll be doing a lot of preparations, and honestly, it's just about making the most of it, going into the Bahrain tests, making the most of the time in the car, and then obviously going into the season. A few tracks that I've not done, but having the time to prepare for it properly, obviously it's on how you use that time, and we'll be trying to make the most of it."
Heading into a seat where many have "struggled"
But, of course, that will not be the only thing on the mind of the New Zealander. Lawson now comes into a seat that has seen many people come and go when challenged with keeping up an alleging Verstappen. Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon and Sergio Perez have all failed at that job despite showing fantastic credentials at other teams.
So how does Lawson expect to handle what has been a tricky car to many drivers in the past? "I've driven the car over the last couple of years and done tests, and I can say the car's very aggressive, and it takes a lot of confidence to drive it, honestly, and I think that's where Max is obviously extremely confident as a driver.
"But the main thing is he's the best in the world right now, so to go up against the best guy is always going to be very, very tough, and ultimately, that's probably the main reason that anybody has struggled so far to go up against him," concluded Lawson.
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