Verstappen believes Lawson 'deserves his shot' at Red Bull

Max Verstappen has hailed his new team mate Liam Lawson following his promotion to Red Bull, as the Dutchman predicted another closely-fought season in 2025.

After the Milton Keynes outfit lost points to both McLaren and Ferrari in last year’s Constructors’ battle, it was announced that Lawson would step up to replace the struggling Sergio Perez, who had parted ways with the team.

The Kiwi is one of six drivers making their full-time debut in F1 when the paddock heads to Melbourne, but he already has 11 races under his belt after he replaced Daniel Ricciardo twice – temporarily when the Australian damaged his wrist in 2023, and on a more permanent basis in the latter races of 2024.

He impressed in both instances, demonstrating his fearless attitude to engaging in on-track duels and finishing in the points on three occasions at the midfield Racing Bulls team.

Liam Lawson of New Zealand and Oracle Red Bull Racing looks on during a press conference prior to F1 75 Live at InterContinental London O2 on February 18, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Sutton - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images) — Lawson has been a member of the Red Bull Junior Team since 2019

It was widely reported that Yuki Tsunoda – Lawson’s team mate at the time – was the other favourite to take the vacant Red Bull seat, but the team opted to give the slightly younger driver the opportunity.

Verstappen expressed admiration for the decision ahead of F1 75 Live, albeit emphasising that the duo have not spent much time together when it comes to talking about the intricacies of their car.

IN NUMBERS: How Verstappen’s team mates fared against him with Lawson the latest to step up

“We’ve seen each other at the photo shoots,” he said. “I’m sure it’s going to be fine – I’ve seen Liam grow throughout the junior team and he fully deserves his shot with the team.

“I’m excited to work together and have a great season again.”

2024 F1 World Drivers Champion Max Verstappen celebrates with his team after the F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas at Las Vegas Strip Circuit on November 23, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) — Verstappen beat Lando Norris to the drivers' world championship last season

The dominance that fans had come to expect from Red Bull continued at the beginning of 2024, but rival teams in McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes gradually snuck up on the then-reigning champions.

They regained some pace after grappling with performance issues mid-season, and the 27-year-old was able to secure his fourth title, but they nevertheless finished the year over 70 points adrift of the victorious Woking-based outfit.

Verstappen continued: “Honestly, we just hope to be competitive as a team again. I think we are a very strong team.

“We are very experienced and I think we showed that last year. We were still maximising our results and that’s a big strength of the team. Let’s see. It’s exciting. I don’t think anyone knows where they are yet.”