Red Bull’s Formula 1 lineup is getting a major shake-up for 2025, with rising star Liam Lawson landing the coveted seat next to three-time world champion Max Verstappen.
The young Kiwi’s mental toughness played a big part in his promotion to the top team. "Lawson’s probably the best fit to handle being Max’s teammate – let’s face it, nobody can beat Max right now," says Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s straight-talking team advisor.
Marko thinks Lawson’s limited F1 experience could actually be a plus. "He’s got tons of room to grow," the 81-year-old Austrian explains.
Meanwhile, Yuki Tsunoda is staying put at Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri), where he’ll be team leader alongside F1 rookie Isack Hadjar.
It’s another near-miss for Tsunoda, who’s been hoping for a shot at the main Red Bull team.
"Look, Yuki’s definitely quick," Marko admits. "But he needs to be more consistent and get those emotions under control. Lawson just felt like the complete package."
The pairing of Tsunoda with newcomer Hadjar could make for some fireworks. Both drivers are known for their fiery personalities and aggressive driving styles.
"Hadjar’s seriously fast but pretty impulsive," Marko says with a hint of amusement. "Things could get interesting."
The move shows Red Bull’s commitment to developing talent through their junior program. "Getting our young drivers into F1 seats is still our main goal," Marko explains. "I’m confident Hadjar will prove we made the right call."
