Liam Lawson Details Max Verstappen's Support During Tough Red Bull Stint

Liam Lawson has opened up about the intense challenge of driving for Red Bull Racing in 2025, revealing that three-time world champion Max Verstappen was an unexpectedly supportive and helpful teammate during his brief and difficult two-race stint. Lawson, who struggled to adapt to the demanding RB21 car, emphasized that Verstappen's kindness behind the scenes was a stark contrast to the Dutchman's fierce on-track reputation.

Why it matters:

Verstappen is often portrayed as a ruthless competitor singularly focused on winning, but Lawson's account adds a new, humanizing layer to the champion's persona. This support is crucial for young drivers thrust into the high-pressure environment of a top team, especially when paired with a driver of Verstappen's caliber. For Lawson, navigating this dynamic was as much a personal challenge as a technical one, shaping his perspective on the pinnacle of the sport.

The details:

• Unwavering Support: Lawson stated on the Gypsy Tales podcast that Verstappen was "so good to me" throughout the process, offering help with any questions and even a standing offer to fly home together to Monaco.
• Public Backing: Verstappen publicly expressed disapproval when Lawson was swiftly demoted back to sister team Racing Bulls after just two Grands Prix (Australia and China).
• The Car Challenge: Lawson joined a list of drivers who have struggled alongside Verstappen, citing the RB21's sensitive and inconsistent balance as the core issue, not simply an excess of front-end grip.
• The Confidence Gap: He explained that at Formula 1 speeds, a lack of 100% confidence in the car's behavior leads to massive time losses—sometimes up to half a second per corner—making consistent performance nearly impossible without total comfort.

What's next:

Lawson's future now lies with Racing Bulls, where he has secured a seat for the 2026 season. The experience, while bruising, provides invaluable insight into the level required at a championship-contending team. His candid reflections on Verstappen's mentorship and the technical difficulties of the car offer a rare glimpse into the internal dynamics at Red Bull, suggesting that Lawson's focus is on applying these hard-earned lessons to build a more stable F1 career with his current team.