Max Verstappen is on a roll. The Dutch racer has won four consecutive Formula 1 World Championships, an achievement similar to what Sebastian Vettel accomplished at Red Bull Racing. Given his stature in the sport, Verstappen is the ‘in-form’ F1 driver, whose domination on the track has made him virtually irreplaceable on the team. Taking the present dynamics into consideration, where does that leave the team’s newest recruit, Liam Lawson?

Should the 22-year-old follow in the footsteps of Daniel Ricciardo and Sergio Perez, by competing for race wins against Verstappen? Or should the Kiwi accept a second-fiddle role within the team, acting as a support for the Dutchman? Helmut Marko is leaning towards the latter.

Is Max Verstappen Red Bull’s undisputed number 1?

The decision was a controversial one. When Red Bull Racing parted ways with Sergio Perez, speculation was rife about the possible replacements for the Mexican driver. The 34-year-old finished runner-up at the end of the 2023 season, but inconsistent performances this year cost him his Formula 1 seat. The team has struggled to find a consistent teammate for Max Verstappen over the years, with Daniel Ricciardo being replaced with Alex Albon, followed by Pierre Gasly and Perez. Could Liam Lawson finally break the cycle?

Helmut Marko has placed a few conditions for the Kiwi to succeed. The Red Bull Racing advisor has urged patience from the youngster, and he went on to say, “Gradually he will have to improve as much as possible. But always keeping in mind that he is driving alongside the best F1 driver at the moment.” The 81-year-old went on to say, “Liam will have to accept that Verstappen is the best. We will see how close he can get, but he should not get in the car with the aim of beating Verstappen, that has gone wrong with all his teammates.”

A full-time seat at Formula 1 is a big step for Liam Lawson. The racer has made 11 appearances in the competition so far, finishing no higher than ninth in the standings. However, the 22-year-old has a long career ahead of him, and being at a team like Red Bull Racing gives him a platform to succeed, but only if he can play second fiddle to Max Verstappen at the moment. Helping the Milton Keynes outfit win the Constructors Championship in 2025 will go a long way in cementing his place and Marko believes that can be easily accomplished.

The former racer said, “He should be able to stay within three-tenths of Max both in qualifying and in the races. That should be enough to accumulate points for the constructors’ championship.” It remains to be seen if Lawson will follow Helmut Marko’s warning and steer clear of Max Verstappen and his title ambition. Working closely behind a four-time champion will be quite an experience for the youngster, who will be hoping to learn as much as possible.

Lawson recalls a shoe-giving incident with Verstappen

Liam Lawson has paid his dues. The young racer has been watching on from the sidelines for over a year and was promoted from the second team, Racing Bulls after Sergio Perez parted ways with Red Bull. Being in the first team won’t be his first encounter with Max Verstappen though, as the two were involved in a hilarious ‘shoe-giving’ incident in 2021, while Lawson was a Formula 2 driver.

Lawson was the only driver who shared Verstappen’s shoe size ahead of the 2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Recalling the incident, the racer said, “I had been at the hotel for a while and returned to the track between sessions. My boss, Oli, sent me a picture and said: I just gave your shoes to Red Bull, Verstappen needs them because you are the only one with the same shoe size.”

Ultimately, it seemed like it all worked out for the duo. Lawson indirectly introduced himself to Max Verstappen with the gesture, and the pair are now teammates for the 2025 season. Reflecting on getting the opportunity to team up with Verstappen, Lawson said, “I am super excited to work alongside Max and learn from a World Champion, I have no doubt I will learn from his expertise.”

Verstappen’s racing prowess combined with Lawson’s immense potential will make both drivers a force to be reckoned with next year, as Red Bull Racing will be hoping to maintain their Formula 1 dominance. What are your expectations for Red Bull in 2025?