Liam Lawson: Red Bull’s Emerging Rookie for the 2025 F1 Season

Liam Lawson, a semi-rookie driver for Red Bull, heads into the 2025 F1 season after successfully filling in for Daniel Ricciardo. With previous points finishes and strong performances in various racing series, Lawson’s aggressive driving style positions him well against experienced competitors like Verstappen and Perez. Team dynamics and engineering changes may further influence his career trajectory at Red Bull.

As the 2025 Formula 1 season approaches, the focus is on rookie Liam Lawson, a well-known face due to his previous experience with AlphaTauri/RB, where he made 11 race starts and finished in the points three times. Despite feeling like a rookie, Lawson heads to Melbourne as the only one among the new drivers without prior experience on the Albert Park circuit during his pre-season preparations.

Before transitioning to F1, Lawson showed promise in various series, including achieving a third place in F2 in 2022 and ranking fifth in the 2020 F3 championship. His 2021 DTM season concluded in controversy, but he impressively secured second place in Super Formula the following year. His consistent performance captured the attention of Red Bull’s leadership, paving his path to the main circuit.

Lawson’s highlight was filling in for the injured Daniel Ricciardo in 2023, solidifying his place in F1. Despite some disappointment in his temporary exclusion from a full-time Red Bull seat in 2024, he remained focused and almost matched Verstappen’s pace during an assessment day. His persistence led to his promotion as Perez’s teammate following a disappointing season for Perez.

The Bahrain pre-season test was tough for Red Bull, as the team faced set-up challenges with the RB21. Despite circulating the second-lowest lap count, Lawson received positive feedback from team principal Christian Horner, noting that his insights consistently aligned with Verstappen’s feedback about the car.

This year, Lawson’s engineering support has shifted, with Richard Wood replacing Hugh Bird. Horner deemed this a natural progression, allowing Bird to contribute more effectively within the factory while providing Lawson with fresh guidance. The change comes in the context of addressing previously strained team dynamics due to Perez’s performance issues.

The aggressive nature Lawson displayed during his initial races—such as confronting both Perez and Alonso—highlights his willingness to compete fiercely, essential for success alongside Verstappen. Lawson’s past skirmishes suggest he possesses the fearlessness necessary in F1, a vital trait as he takes on the challenging role of Verstappen’s teammate.

Liam Lawson emerges as a significant contender in the 2025 Formula 1 season, transitioning from a semi-rookie status to a full-time driver. His prior experiences and strong performances have led to his promotion at Red Bull. With adjustments in team dynamics and engineering support, Lawson’s daredevil approach and determination indicate his readiness, even as he faces the trials of being Max Verstappen’s teammate.

Original Source: www.autosport.com