Liam Lawson, a promising young driver from New Zealand, has revealed deep regret over his sudden departure from Red Bull Racing this season, which cut short his opportunity to benefit from Max Verstappen’s F1 mentorship. The 23-year-old expressed his disappointment in an exclusive interview, emphasizing how crucial this experience could have been for his development as a Formula 1 driver.
Lawson joined Red Bull in high hopes after proving his capability as a substitute for Daniel Ricciardo late last year, earning a chance to replace Sergio Perez. However, stepping into the secondary Red Bull seat quickly became a difficult challenge, described by many as a “graveyard” for emerging talent due to its intense pressure and expectations.
Early Struggles and Challenging Circumstances in the Season
The New Zealand driver’s introduction to Red Bull Racing was marred by misfortune. Starting with a crash during the chaotic opening race, Lawson faced immediate setbacks that undermined his momentum. His subsequent 12th-place finish at the Chinese Grand Prix further damaged his standing, reducing his chances to learn directly from Verstappen’s experience and expertise.
Critics have questioned Red Bull’s management strategy, highlighting that Lawson deserved more time to grow in the seat. Max Verstappen, a four-time world champion, is widely regarded as one of the most skilled drivers in Formula 1 history, and the opportunity to study his racing approach could have proved invaluable for Lawson’s long-term career prospects.
Insights on the Importance of Data and Mentorship
Lawson underscored how much he was looking forward to closely examining Verstappen’s driving data and style.
“I was very excited. I was very excited to have that opportunity to basically see everything that he was doing in detail,”
Lawson said, highlighting the learning potential inherent in analyzing a champion’s techniques.
He detailed the specific kinds of data that drivers pay close attention to during competition, explaining,
“It’s very simple data, but as a driver, it’s the main stuff that we’re looking at—speed traces, where somebody’s braking, throttle placements, gears, things like that.”
Despite having access to this data, Lawson admitted that his brief stint limited how much he could absorb, stating,
“In two weekends, it’s very hard to take too much from that.”
Returning to a Sister Team and Future Prospects
After his exit from the main Red Bull team, Lawson has rejoined its sister outfit, where he continues to rebuild momentum. Recent performances have indicated an improvement as he adapts and finds his form once again. The F1 community remains observant, anticipating how this talented driver will overcome the rocky start to his season and whether future chances to work alongside Verstappen might emerge.
Lawson’s story highlights the immense pressure young drivers face in Formula 1, as well as the profound impact that mentorship from elite athletes like Verstappen can have on their careers. While he was unable to fully capitalize on this chance, his desire to learn from the best remains a defining element of his journey moving forward.
