Lawson must acknowledge that Verstappen is 'invincible'.

      "For us, the individual holds the highest importance."

      By GMM

      12 March 2025 - 12:04

      Liam Lawson must enter the 2025 season understanding that his Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen is "unbeatable." This is the perspective and guidance of the team's influential advisor, Dr. Helmut Marko, following Red Bull's decision to replace Sergio Perez with the 23-year-old Lawson for this season due to inadequate performance. Despite Verstappen winning the drivers’ championship, Perez's performance led to Red Bull losing the 2024 constructors’ title.

      "Our employees receive bonuses based on our constructors’ championship standing," Marko stated on Servus TV. "There are different tiers, and we are talking about substantial sums here.

      There was certainly disappointment at the factory when we ended up third, behind McLaren and Ferrari."

      Marko openly acknowledges Verstappen as the clear 'number 1.' "The drivers’ title," the Austrian responded when asked which title is most significant to Red Bull. "Red Bull is not just a car manufacturer. The individual is our top priority."

      As a result, the pressure on Lawson is to keep within a few tenths of Verstappen and, in Marko's words, effectively act as a "points collector." He notes that the young New Zealander has brought a new energy to Red Bull following Perez's departure.

      "There is a completely different atmosphere within the team now," the 81-year-old disclosed. "We are experiencing a new wave of enthusiasm. Liam is young and full of vigor."

      However, Marko advises Lawson to temper that enthusiasm slightly. "He needs to establish his own working style and not think, 'How can I beat Max?' That was the error of his predecessors, all of whom failed," he mentioned. "They simply couldn't accept they were competing against someone unbeatable. Verstappen is currently unbeatable, and I believe that will continue for a while."

      Marko believes Lawson will rise to the challenge and find his place in the sister garage. "Liam is a very grounded individual. New Zealanders typically possess that grounded quality, which is why we chose him over Yuki Tsunoda," he expressed.

      As for Lawson, he certainly hopes that his journey alongside Verstappen lasts long enough for him to secure a solid position on the Formula 1 grid. He shared with GQ magazine that his parents sold their home to support his ascent through the junior ranks. "They still don’t have a house," Lawson stated, "because of me."