During the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix weekend, Liam Lawson was suddenly called up to race for AlphaTauri after Daniel Ricciardo suffered a broken hand, thrusting the New Zealander into Formula 1 competition with almost no preparation. Facing an overwhelming mix of emotions on such short notice, Lawson has revealed that Max Verstappen‘s support was instrumental in helping him stay calm and focused. Verstappen, a four-time world champion, offered advice that encouraged Lawson to appreciate the opportunity despite the pressure.
Lawson managed to finish 13th in that race, outperforming his teammate Yuki Tsunoda, and signaling his potential for a future full-time F1 seat. Verstappen’s reassuring words came at a crucial moment, easing the rookie’s nerves and helping him navigate the intense spotlight of F1 competition.
First Races Marked by Resilience and Growth
Following his emergency debut, Lawson competed in five more races filling in for Ricciardo until the Australian recovered. Throughout these appearances, Lawson impressed observers by scoring his first Formula 1 points with a ninth-place finish in Singapore. His performances confirmed his skill and composure under challenging circumstances.
Since then, Lawson’s career with Red Bull has experienced ups and downs: he replaced Ricciardo again when performance concerns prompted Ricciardo’s exit, briefly stepped into the main Red Bull team for the 2025 season‘s start filling in for Sergio Perez, and later returned to Racing Bulls after two races. Despite the fluctuating trajectory, Lawson remains deeply grateful for the support Verstappen provided early on.
Verstappen’s Encouragement Left Lasting Impact
Reflecting on those early days, Lawson shared in a tribute video,
“I think something I probably won’t forget was my first weekend coming into Formula 1 in Zandvoort. It was a very last minute sort of situation that I was driving. It wasn’t expected and I had a lot of emotions trying to get ready for it and he was very good to me.”
He basically just gave me some advice on trying to enjoy it and remember that it’s what we’ve all worked our whole lives to get to. To hear that from him was something I didn’t expect, and something I appreciated a lot at the time.
— Liam Lawson, Red Bull Driver
The Broader Context of Red Bull’s Support System
Red Bull marked Verstappen’s 200th grand prix start during the F1 summer break with a special tribute featuring stories from past and current teammates, emphasizing the strong network within the team. Verstappen’s mentorship of Lawson highlights how experienced drivers play key roles in supporting newcomers during times of crisis, which is vital in the high-pressure world of Formula 1.
With Verstappen at the center of Red Bull’s success and Lawson steadily building his presence, the team’s mix of seasoned champions and emerging talent demonstrates its dynamic approach to maintaining competitive strength.
Looking Ahead for Lawson and Red Bull
As Lawson continues to navigate his career with Red Bull and AlphaTauri, the encouragement from Verstappen during that critical weekend remains a cornerstone of his growing confidence. The experience at Zandvoort not only affirmed Lawson’s ability to perform under pressure but also reinforced the value of camaraderie within the team.
With Verstappen’s ongoing leadership and Lawson’s resilience, Red Bull is well-positioned for future successes, balancing the excitement of new talent with the guidance of established champions.
