Will Red Bull's car suit Lawson? 'We need to drive what we're given'

Red Bull Content Pool

F1 News

Liam Lawson on Max Verstappen's driving style red Bull Formula 1
20 February at 11:00
Last update 20 February at 12:26

Max Verstappen is known for handling an unstable rear end and preferring a sharp front end in his F1 car, a driving style that sets him apart from many other drivers. However, Liam Lawson believes it's not necessary to try to mirror the four-time world champion's approach. Instead, he feels it's more important to adapt to the car and the material that Red Bull Racing provides.

Lawson: 'We have to drive what we're given'

"I think honestly it's something that as a reserve, I've actually spent more time with Red Bull than with VCARB technically with the amount of time I spent just being reserve and going to the races with Red Bull and doing simulator work," Lawson said in a conversation with GPblog.

"So although it's not on track, I've done a few tests here and there, but I think just because of that time spent helping develop the car and driving the car in the current state that it was, I guess you get used to it, you sort of understand that's how it is," he continued.

"I think having a driving style is, I guess technically we're meant to be professionals, we're meant to be able to drive what we're given and maximise that. So I think for me, it's not really so much of whether the driving style suits me or not, but it's about how I make it work, I guess, and I'd like to think that I can do that." Lawson concludes.

Liam Lawson, who joins from Racing Bulls (formerly VCARB), has only 11 Grand Prix appearances under his belt. However, Red Bull has full confidence in Verstappen's new teammate. Helmut Marko, Red Bull's advisor, has given Lawson a clear directive: "He must continuously collect points and help Max when necessary. Just doing his best is not enough," Marko said in an interview with OE24.

This article was written in collaboration with Nicole Mulder 

Want more Formula 1? Then follow GPblog on our various social media channels too!

X | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube