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
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"we're meant to be able to drive what we're given"
And as per usual, Max's wing man will be given a car that is designed around how Max drives.
Pointy (if they can manage it without the inertial braking valve and Adrian Newey).
Only differences will be that Max's car has:-
- Toughened suspension to guard against damage when he forces others off
- Radio fitted with auto-bleep system as a double precaution against punishments.
- Baby monitor.
- List of things to blame on the car, written on the steering wheel.
Yes best driver usually gets what he wants. That's how f1 works. What team will set the car up for their 2nd driver?
I can name 9 F1 teams that treat both drivers equally.
Lawson will have to make sure he isn't discouraged form doing this " 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." When he requires setup changes and preferences that suites him he needs to make sure he is not ignored . There's a tendency at RedBull to default to Max and his preferences because he is the quickest. Lawson will be on a discovery journey thenfirst couple of races ? and how he deals with that phase will determine his success at RedBull i belive .
Indeed. And part of that discovery journey will be to quickly discover that all the focus is on Max and that Lawson will be picking up the crumbs as he was employed to do.
Helmut Marko - "With us, it's only about Max."
The very respectful and always sincere 44-8xLegend (yes he really changed his name and profilepicture):
"Death threats for Latifi were ridiculous also. Red Bull I assume got some too but, again, they deserved a fair bit of that."
"Fester in your grief little troll, you earned it."
"the next troll to come along with the same hair-brained idea that trying to provoke me"
"but you cry into your dress about me giving it back."
"Go wave your d*ck to someone else. Without me on this blog, you're nothing. You only have relevance because I reply to you."
"Now you'll have to take your frustrations out on your family."
"This is a topic that is way above your pay-grade. I don't expect closed-minded Max fans to grasp or accept the facts"
"I want to see all the crying that ensues"
Please think of your own mental well-being, don't get yourself involved with such a nasty and toxic bully. People like him thrives on insulting and upsetting others, better to let him be. Safe yourself the abuse.
will come back to those comments after 10-12 races.