JUST IN: Verstappen’s New Team-Mate Faces a Challenge Ahead

Verstappen’s New Team-Mate Faces a Challenge Ahead of Red Bull Debut

Sergio Perez has issued a stern warning to incoming Red Bull drivers as he prepares to exit the team following a difficult 2024 season. Red Bull announced after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that Perez would be stepping away from Formula 1, taking a “sabbatical” after a year marked by disappointing results.

Perez, who failed to reach the podium since the Chinese Grand Prix in April, finished a distant eighth in the Drivers’ Championship standings. His underwhelming performances significantly impacted Red Bull’s ability to defend their Constructors’ Championship title. With the Mexican driver’s departure, Red Bull has turned to Kiwi racer Liam Lawson, who will step into the seat for the 2025 season after being promoted from the Red Bull sister team, VCARB, where he replaced Daniel Ricciardo in September.

Perez Reflects on His Time at Red Bull

Perez is not the first driver to struggle alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull. Others, including Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and to some extent Daniel Ricciardo, have found it challenging to keep pace with the Dutch superstar. However, Ricciardo remains the only team-mate to have beaten Verstappen over a full season, achieving the feat in 2017.

During his time at Red Bull, Verstappen secured an incredible 53 victories compared to Perez’s five, despite the team’s dominance in the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Reflecting on the difficulties of competing alongside Verstappen, Perez offered candid advice to younger drivers who may underestimate the challenge of being the Dutchman’s team-mate.

“It’s an incredible challenge, and I knew what I was signing up for when I joined Red Bull,” Perez admitted at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, his final race with the team. “People shouldn’t underestimate the level of experience, capacity, and mental strength required to take on this role. Being Max’s team-mate at Red Bull as a young driver is not something I would wish to experience. It’s an extreme challenge that many don’t fully understand.”

Liam Lawson Takes on the Mantle

The spotlight now shifts to Liam Lawson, who will face the formidable task of competing alongside Verstappen. While Lawson is a promising talent, his ability to perform consistently against one of the sport’s most dominant drivers remains to be seen.

Red Bull’s decision to bring in Lawson reflects their commitment to nurturing young talent, but the pressure will be immense. To help Red Bull regain their Constructors’ Championship, Lawson must not only deliver strong performances but also consistently stay close to Verstappen in the standings—a feat many before him have struggled to achieve.

The Legacy of Red Bull Team-Mates

The challenge of being Verstappen’s team-mate is not new. Gasly and Albon were both unable to match Verstappen’s pace during their respective stints, leading to their eventual exits. Even Ricciardo, who managed to win races and outscore Verstappen in 2017, found the pressure overwhelming, leading to his departure in 2018.

Perez’s tenure at Red Bull highlighted both the potential and pitfalls of partnering with Verstappen. Despite a handful of race wins, he consistently lagged behind the four-time champion, showcasing just how high the bar is set at the team.

Moving Forward

As Lawson prepares for his Red Bull debut, he faces an uphill battle. Perez’s warning serves as a reminder of the mental and physical demands required to compete at the highest level alongside a driver of Verstappen’s caliber.

The 2025 season will be a critical test for Lawson as he steps into one of the most coveted yet challenging seats in Formula 1. While Verstappen continues to set an extraordinary standard, Lawson must prove he has what it takes to not only survive but thrive under Red Bull’s intense spotlight.