Lawson looking forward to duel with Max Verstappen as teammate
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Liam Lawson is looking forward to being a teammate of Max Verstappen. Lawson understands that it is quite a challenge, but tells Auto, Motor und Sport that he can actually learn a lot from the four-time world champion.
''To be honest, I am most looking forward to it (to being Max Verstappen's teammate),'' Lawson stated to the German medium. ''Max is the best in the world in our sport at the moment. In every free practice that we do, I will have insight into his data. I will see exactly what he is doing and how he is doing it. Of course, it will be very difficult to keep up with him, but in terms of my development, there is no one I can learn better from.''
Lawson wants to learn from Verstappen
This is not the first time Lawson has spoken highly of his new teammate. For example, it was also said that Verstappen helped Lawson during his F1 debut at Zandvoort. The Dutchman's main advice then was simple: 'Above all, try to enjoy it.'
For Lawson, the move to Red Bull Racing is a significant one. The New Zealander had only driven 11 Grands Prix in Formula 1 for Racing Bulls, having raced 5 of them in 2023 as Daniel Ricciardo's temporary replacement and another 6 at the end of 2024 when the Australian was permanently sidelined.
Whether Lawson is ready for the challenge at a top team will become clear during the upcoming season. Jos Verstappen did give Lawson a tip based on his own experience. "My advice is that he should not make the mistake I made at Benetton (Alongside Schumacher) in 1994: try to keep up with Max at all costs. Lawson has to do his own thing. Hopefully, he has a similar driving style to Max. Then they can improve the car together," Jos told F1 Insider.
This article was written in collaboration with Norberto Mujica.
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