Liam Lawson identifies Max Verstappen as the driver he would most like to have as a teammate. The New Zealander reveals how he has already learned more from the Dutchman than any other driver. Therefore, Lawson is not afraid to take a seat next to Verstappen if the opportunity arises.
Being Max Verstappen’s teammate is not easy. Pierre Gasly and Alexander Albon were unable to match the Dutchman’s performance earlier in their careers, and Sergio Pérez also seems to be succumbing to the pressure. However, Liam Lawson, who is tipped as a potential replacement for the struggling Pérez, is not afraid of suffering the same fate should he get the chance to sit next to the Dutchman.
“No, I’m not afraid of that,” the New Zealander tells De Telegraaf. “In fact, I would prefer no one else as a teammate than Max. He is the best in the sport. It would be very educational to compete against him, to be able to study his data every weekend and see exactly how he approaches it.”
‘Max is clear and direct’
Since the United States Grand Prix, Lawson has been replacing Daniel Ricciardo and is even mentioned as a potential replacement for the struggling Pérez. However, the New Zealander has been a reserve driver for the Austrian team since 2022 and has been able to learn a thing or two from Verstappen during his time at Red Bull.
“By being in the garage and wearing a headset, I have been able to see and hear everything up close for two years,” Lawson reveals. “How he drives the car, how he talks about the balance and what he wants. Max is very clear and direct and doesn’t waste time giving feedback. That’s so important in Formula 1. I think I’ve learned more from him than anyone else.
