P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Liam Lawson has perhaps the least enviable task in F1 – going up against Max Verstappen as an almost-rookie. But how do his chances to avoid being just another ‘sacrificial lamb’ look after testing?
For the past six Formula 1 seasons, Max Verstappen has outperformed all his Red Bull teammates, resulting in the team replacing all three of them. Despite this trend, Liam Lawson aims to challenge it in 2025, but his preparation hasn’t been ideal. In Bahrain, Lawson’s fastest lap ranked him 11th out of 20 drivers, with issues like illness and limited running hindering his performance. However, Red Bull praised Lawson’s technical feedback, hinting at a potential compatibility with Verstappen. Unlike past scenarios with drivers like Pierre Gasly, Lawson has managed to maintain composure and avoid tensions within the team, providing a fresh perspective in the garage. Although Lawson is yet to face Verstappen on track, Red Bull isn’t placing the expectation of beating him on the young driver for now.
