Breaking: Christian Horner Admits Verstappen’s Dominance a Challenge...read more

Breaking: Christian Horner Admits Verstappen’s Dominance a Challenge…read more

Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner has outlined the team’s strategy to protect Liam Lawson “from expectation” as the young Kiwi steps up to the senior squad in 2025. Lawson will partner four-time world champion Max Verstappen, replacing Sergio Perez after the Mexican driver was dropped following a challenging 2024 season.

Lawson, who has just 11 grand prix starts to his name, is set to face the daunting task of competing alongside Verstappen, a driver who has historically dominated his teammates. Horner is keenly aware of the pressure Lawson will face, given Verstappen’s track record of outperforming previous partners such as Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and Perez—all of whom lost their Red Bull seats during their stints. Even Daniel Ricciardo, one of Verstappen’s strongest teammates, opted to leave Red Bull at the end of 2018 after intense intra-team competition.

Speaking about Lawson’s promotion, Horner stressed the importance of patience and measured expectations. “Liam has shown incredible promise in his limited time in F1, but stepping into a team like Red Bull alongside a driver like Max is a huge challenge,” Horner said. “Our priority is to protect him from the weight of expectations and allow him to grow into the role. We don’t want to put unnecessary pressure on him; we want to give him the environment to succeed.”

Lawson impressed during his substitute appearances in 2024, showcasing a maturity and adaptability that convinced Red Bull he was ready for the step up. The team believes his potential makes him a valuable long-term asset, even as he enters one of the most competitive lineups on the grid.

Despite the challenges ahead, Lawson has expressed excitement about the opportunity. “Driving for Red Bull is a dream come true,” he said. “I know it won’t be easy alongside Max, but I’m ready to learn, grow, and give everything I have to the team.”

Verstappen’s dominance within Red Bull has been a defining feature of the team in recent years. His relentless pace and consistency have not only delivered multiple championships but have also left his teammates struggling to match his performance. Horner acknowledged this dynamic, stating, “Max is an extraordinary talent, and any driver partnering him faces an uphill battle. That’s why it’s crucial we manage Liam’s introduction carefully and set realistic goals for him.”

The upcoming season marks a transitional period for Red Bull as they aim to maintain their position at the top of the constructors’ standings while nurturing Lawson’s development. With Verstappen leading the charge and Lawson gaining experience, the team hopes to strike a balance between immediate success and long-term planning.

As the 2025 Formula 1 season approaches, all eyes will be on Red Bull’s new lineup. Lawson’s ability to handle the pressure and grow alongside one of the sport’s most dominant drivers will be a key storyline to watch in what promises to be another thrilling year of racing.