F1 TODAY: Liam Lawson sent clear ‘HELP MAX ’ message as Helmut Marko sets Red Bull targets…read more
Liam Lawson sent clear ‘help Max’ message as Helmut Marko sets Red Bull targets
Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko, has set out clear expectations for Liam Lawson in the 2025 Formula 1 season, where the young driver is expected to play a crucial supporting role to Max Verstappen. This will be Lawson’s first full campaign with the Red Bull senior team, having replaced Sergio Perez after Perez’s underwhelming performance in 2024.
Marko, a key figure in Red Bull’s driver program, stated that Lawson’s main task is to score consistent points while ensuring that Max Verstappen’s championship bid is supported. Red Bull aims to maintain their dominance, and Lawson’s role will be pivotal in keeping the team ahead, especially with the pressure of other competitors intensifying.
“Liam Lawson is stepping into a critical role. He needs to be a dependable points scorer,” Marko said. “But the key is helping Max when necessary. His job isn’t to compete with Max, but to support him.”
Lawson, a former Formula 2 standout and now a highly regarded talent in Formula 1, is aware of the challenge he faces. Verstappen, a four-time world champion, has been the dominant force on the grid for several seasons, and Lawson recognizes the near-impossible task of matching Verstappen’s pace.
“I think you have to be realistic when you’re driving alongside Max,” Lawson said. “He’s the fastest guy on the grid right now, and there’s no expectation of outqualifying him by a large margin. For me, it’s more about the opportunity to learn from the best and help the team secure more wins.”
Lawson’s opportunity comes after the departure of Sergio Perez, who struggled to match Verstappen’s performances throughout 2024. Red Bull’s decision to promote Lawson to the senior team is seen as part of their broader strategy to ensure continued dominance in the championship, especially as other teams, such as Ferrari and Mercedes, are expected to mount a stronger challenge in 2025.
Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, echoed Marko’s sentiments, emphasizing the tactical role Lawson will play. He compared Lawson’s role within the team to the setup of a football team, where not every player can be a star forward, but they can still provide essential strength and depth.
“In football terms, you can’t have two top strikers. You need balance in your team,” Horner explained. “Liam brings that balance. He’s there to provide us with what we need from both an engineering and tactical standpoint. Next season is shaping up to be extremely competitive, and Liam’s contribution will be vital.”
Horner also reinforced that Max Verstappen remains the team’s clear number-one driver. While Red Bull expects Lawson to perform well, the primary focus will always be on helping Verstappen secure more victories and maintain his position at the top of the sport.
“Max Verstappen is our most valuable asset,” Horner said. “There’s no question about it. He’s the lead driver, and the expectation is for him to win races. If Liam can get close to Max, that’s great, but Max is the one we’re backing to take the wins. We have a different strategy than Ferrari, who often back two equally strong drivers. For us, Max is the clear leader.”
The 2025 season is expected to be tightly contested, with Red Bull’s rivals pushing hard to close the gap. Lawson’s ability to consistently bring home points and assist Verstappen tactically could be a decisive factor in whether Red Bull maintains its position as the dominant team in Formula 1.
In the high-pressure environment of F1, where every race and point counts, Lawson’s role will be to ensure Verstappen has every advantage possible as he bids for his fifth world championship. Red Bull has made it clear: the team’s success hinges on a strong support structure, and Lawson is at the heart of that plan.
About The Author
