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September 3, 2023, Monza, Lombardia, Italy: Scuderia AlphaTauri s New Zealand driver Liam Lawson attends a drivers parade prior to the Italian F1 Grand Prix race at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza. Monza Italy – ZUMAs197 20230903_aaa_s197_255 Copyright: xAndrejaxCencicx
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1034106618h-1.jpg?width=600)
via Imago
September 3, 2023, Monza, Lombardia, Italy: Scuderia AlphaTauri s New Zealand driver Liam Lawson attends a drivers parade prior to the Italian F1 Grand Prix race at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza. Monza Italy – ZUMAs197 20230903_aaa_s197_255 Copyright: xAndrejaxCencicx
Another young driver is potentially on his way to the F1 grid. Here the ‘young driver’ is none other than Liam Lawson. The 22-year-old Kiwi has been in the headlines since the beginning of the ongoing ‘silly season’. He is now a potential replacement for Sergio Perez at Red Bull. This means the rookie will begin his F1 journey as Max Verstappen’s teammate. Red Bull’s reserve driver Lawson will test the RB20 at Silverstone on Thursday. Rumors suggest this test is a trial for Lawson.
Christian Horner is considering him to replace Sergio Perez in the main team. Lawson was to replace Daniel Ricciardo at VCARB. But the tables have turned! However, experts are concerned that it might be too soon to pair an inexperienced driver with Max Verstappen. The host asked Wurz about ‘throwing’ Liam Lawson into the Red Bull seat. Wurz replied, “I’m sure he’d say he [Liam] could handle it.”
He further cautioned, “Haven’t we seen it time and again that you overexpose these young drivers and then it’s just a ruthless system?” Wurz, a seasoned F1 racer, highlighted the intense pressure young drivers face with teammates like Max Verstappen or Lewis Hamilton. He suggested, “If it was me and I wanted to manage Liam Lawson, I’d bring him in at the junior team first. Then potentially promote him as and when he deserves it” while adding, “If Liam Lawson comes alongside Max Verstappen he ain’t going to look great because no one is looking great alongside Max Verstappen,” implying that anyone paired with Max would be overshadowed.
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Not just Liam, there have been several young drivers, who have perished under the immense pressure of Formula 1. One of them being Nyck de Vries. However, Lawson proved his patience and skill last year when he subbed Daniel Ricciardo in AlphaTauri (now VCARB). But this time, he will be side by side with Max Verstappen!
Polls of the day
Poll 1 of 4
Do you think Liam Lawson can handle the pressure of driving alongside Max Verstappen?
Absolutely
Maybe
Not a chance
Too early to tell
Have an interesting take?
Who should Red Bull prioritize for the next race?
Daniel Ricciardo
Liam Lawson
Sergio Perez
Another driver
Have an interesting take?
Do you think Lando Norris' dig at Lewis Hamilton was justified?
Absolutely
Not at all
Maybe, but poorly timed
Who cares, it's racing drama!
Have an interesting take?
Do you think Lewis Hamilton's fear of joining Ferrari is justified?
Yes, Ferrari's history is daunting
No, he's a seasoned champion
Maybe, it depends on the team dynamics
Absolutely, Ferrari's pressure is immense
Have an interesting take?
If Liam Lawson joins Red Bull, he’ll have to face the powerhouse named Max Verstappen
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Max Verstappen, the name itself, is enough to stir the waters of the motorsport world. Anyone alongside him is under constant pressure to perform as well as him. Currently, it is Sergio Perez who is experiencing the pressure. Some experts and fans believe this to be the reason behind his constant blunders. Red Bull revolves around Max Verstappen. After all, he is the most dominant driver on the present grid.
Liam Lawson must deal with this level of stress around Max. After a certain point, everyone will expect Lawson to be at par with Verstappen. Although it may not be possible, to be at least a percent closer to Verstappen’s would not be bad. Moreover, Liam would have to be consistent with his performance. Race after race he must excel.
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1034135496h-1.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
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F1 Gran Prix of Italy Liam Lawson of AlphaTauri during drivers parade before the F1 Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo Nazionale on September 3, 2023 Monza, Italy. Monza Autodromo Nazionale Italy Copyright: xMarcoxCanonierox
Despite the rumor mills of F1 are working overtime, it is still unclear whether Liam Lawson will replace Sergio Perez this year. It could happen in 2025 as well; who knows? However, the summer break could bring with it some big news. But would that include Liam Lawson’s name? That is, as of now, a mystery. The upcoming race in Hungary is going to be extremely crucial for both Sergio Perez and Liam Lawson. As their fates intertwine with each other, fans are eagerly waiting for more such drama.
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What are your takes on Liam Lawson’s possibilities in F1? Share below.
Debate
Can Liam Lawson handle the pressure of driving alongside a powerhouse like Max Verstappen?