Playing a first season as a starter is never an easy task. Often, there is a lot of pressure. So when it comes to doing it in the colours of Red Bull, this one is amplified. Since his arrival in Formula 1, the Austrian team has built a reputation for being ruthless at all levels and its management, led by Christian Horner and Helmut Marko among others, has rarely been hesitant when it comes to cutting to the chase.
Some drivers, like Pierre Gasly in 2019 or Alex Albon at the end of the 2020 season, to name but a few, have paid the price for this ruthless policy. Faced with a prolonged lack of performance, whatever the reasons, the driver in question is quickly replaced. The latest case is that of Daniel Ricciardo, recalled during the year 2023 to replace a Nyck de Vries in decline before being fired a year later without the opportunity to truly say goodbye to the general public.
“Feeling like I was prepared for this opportunity”
It is Liam Lawson, as in 2023 when Danny Ric' was injured, who was placed in the B team. But this time with the possibility of going all the way and especially of fighting for a promotion to Red Bull, which he was able to get. From now on, it is a completely different costume that he wears. A costume with greater pressure. Only will he be able to resist when he will directly face Max Verstappen ?
« I have to be realistic, he lucidly admits to from New Zealand media Stuff. I know I'm going to be discovering circuits, and this is my first full season, so I don't expect to be fighting him to win races right away.
But I expect to perform and do what the team expects of me. I'm obviously not here to lose either, I'm only here for one reason. So it's very exciting. »
As for the risk involved, Liam Lawson seems to have a solid head on his shoulders. Having been in the Red Bull fold since he was 16, the Kiwi knows what to expect. I think I've always been in a pressure environment at Red Bull over the last six years.He says. That’s how it started when I was 16 and they recruited me. Helmut would call me every two weeks and say: “Do your job or you’re fired.” As a young driver, with that kind of situation, they already put a lot of pressure on you, and that’s what really prepares you for F1. So I feel like I was prepared to have this opportunity. »
ALSO READ > How Lawson built his career to his promotion to Red Bull
Yves-Henri RANDIER
19/01/2025 at 06:31 a.m.
If the Kiwi starts his season with the ultimate goal of not fighting against his Dutch teammate by wearing his number 2 bib well while performing in line with the team's expectations, there is no reason why he should be quickly ousted by this good Doktor Helmouuuuuut. But anything is possible in F1 and even more so in the bosom of the Austrian cans!