P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The Red Bull version of Max Verstappen is a nightmare F1 team-mate – and it’s not because of how he is or any team bias. It’s all about how he drives
Liam Lawson’s promotion to Red Bull is a huge opportunity for him to join Formula 1’s top team after just 11 races, which is a dream come true. However, partnering with Max Verstappen could also present challenges, as seen with Gasly, Albon, and Perez, who struggled being measured against Verstappen’s abilities regularly.
Verstappen’s unique driving skills, especially in slow corners, set him apart from his teammates and influence Red Bull’s development direction. His ability to handle a loose rear end and maintain confidence in corner entry has shaped the team’s aero development.
Red Bull has at times tailored its car concepts to match Verstappen’s strengths, leading to success but also causing challenges when pushing the limits. In 2020, the team realized they had gone too far in one development direction, thanks to Verstappen’s exceptional talent, prompting a difficult process to revert back.
Ultimately, Lawson faces a tough challenge stepping into the role of Verstappen’s teammate, tasked with adapting to the demands of a team aiming for constant improvement in a highly competitive Formula 1 environment.
