Liam Lawson became a part of the Red Bull academy in 2019 and has spent a lot of time around Max Verstappen. Recently, he opened up on his relationship with the Dutchman, and the influence he has had on his racing career.
Lawson sees Verstappen as a great role model. He recalled having a room night next to Verstappen’s ahead of a race when he was in the junior categories. “Before the race, he came in and he was really nice,” he said on the Talking Bulls podcast. “He offered plenty of advice basically on reminding me to enjoy it and make the most of it.”
Liam Lawson made an impressive debut at Zandvoort last season, stepping in for an injured Daniel Ricciardo #F1 #DutchGP pic.twitter.com/5Q5Isbl7bZ
— Formula 1 (@F1) August 19, 2024
Lawson described Verstappen as someone deeply passionate about racing, to the point where he follows other categories and disciplines within motorsport. In 2023, while Lawson was competing in Super Formula, Verstappen kept tabs on the series and would often quiz him about it whenever they crossed paths.
Since both Lawson and Verstappen are part of the Red Bull academy and have grown in the same environment, they share a close bond. Lawson revealed that the fiery on-track demeanor of the three-time World champion is just a small part of who he is.
Verstappen was particularly helpful to the New Zealander during the latter’s five-race cameo for AlphaTauri (now RB) in 2023, as the replacement for an injured Daniel Ricciardo.
Lawson reveals Verstappen’s nice guy persona.
Lawson was quick to dismiss the misconception in the paddock that Verstappen’s “aggressive” persona defines him. In fact, he revealed that Verstappen was the only one who came up to him and offered a helping hand during his debut at Zandvoort.
GP Blog quoted the 22-year-old as saying, “He’s actually a really nice guy out of the car. I think he can come across quite aggressive on TV, but he’s just ultra-competitive and he’s a really, really good guy. When I drove last year, he was one of the few guys that were really open to talk and give advice.”
| According to AMuS VCARB might have a brand new line-up for 2025, consisting of Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar.
It’s rumored that Tsunoda might step up to RedBull to replace the struggling Perez, meanwhile seems that Ricciardo is also at risk, with RedBull trying to find him a… pic.twitter.com/E4trtbRwOh
— RBJT Updates (@RBJTUpdates) July 17, 2024
Lawson has been with the Red Bull setup for over five years and aims to drive for the Milton Keynes-based team, either alongside Verstappen or with its sister team, RB. If no opportunity arises for him in the upcoming season, he might look for a chance with another team.
However, Red Bull’s chief advisor, Helmut Marko, has assured that Lawson will be an F1 driver next season.
