London was sufficient for us - Marko

      Liam Lawson's role in 2025 is twofold, as stated by Red Bull's notoriously demanding advisor and driver manager, Dr. Helmut Marko. Lawson will begin his first full season after a couple of part-time stints with the junior team over the last two years, stepping in for the struggling Sergio Perez, who was recently let go. Perez's difficulties affected Red Bull's standings in the constructors' championship last year, leading to McLaren claiming the title. McLaren is one of only two teams maintaining the same driver lineup for the upcoming season, giving CEO Zak Brown a sense of their competitive edge.

      "Clearly, Kimi (Antonelli) is a rookie and Liam is, let's say, less experienced rather than a rookie," he remarked this week. "Both will inevitably have a few 'rookie weekends.' From a constructors' perspective, it will likely be more challenging for them to excel across all 24 races."

      According to Marko, the 23-year-old Lawson must start strong right from the season's outset. When asked by Osterreich about Lawson's role at Red Bull Racing, Marko emphasized: "He should consistently collect points and support Max (Verstappen) when needed—not just aim to do so."

      Regarding reigning four-time drivers' champion Verstappen, he has enjoyed a lengthy winter and pre-season break, recently returning for a seat fitting in the 2025 car and the London F1 launch. Marko mentioned he hasn’t seen the full ’25 car either.

      "Max is in good spirits and is looking forward to the first test kilometers in Bahrain," remarked the 81-year-old Austrian. "Our filming day is on February 25, after which the official testing will commence with the new car that I haven’t yet seen in person."

      Marko noted that there will not be a separate car launch event. "London sufficed for us," he asserted. "We also have filming days and then the tests in Bahrain."

      He also disclosed that he plans to attend all 24 Grands Prix in 2025. "Of course. I've recovered well—I'm in top shape," he stated.