P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Liam Lawson received a promotion to Red Bull at the end of the 2024 season, replacing Sergio Perez who remains without a seat in any category for this year.
Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has issued a warning to Liam Lawson, emphasizing the importance of a strong start at Red Bull this year to avoid mental challenges that may arise from competing against Max Verstappen. Despite Lawson’s promotion to a full-time F1 driver position at Red Bull, he will need to demonstrate his worth, especially given his history of trailing behind Yuki Tsunoda in races from the previous season. Herbert suggests that Lawson’s performance against Tsunoda was not impressive enough to secure his seat alongside Verstappen, who is known for his dominance over teammates. Lawson’s speed and potential are highly regarded by Red Bull, but Herbert points out that he must raise his game significantly in order to match Verstappen’s level of skill and leadership within the team. Lawson’s ability to handle the mental pressure and challenges posed by competing with a top-tier driver like Verstappen will ultimately determine his success in the upcoming season.
