Red Bull has never expected Verstappen’s teammate to reach the same heights as the Dutchman, recognizing his place as a generational talent capable of feats most can’t replicate. But not being able to do what Verstappen does behind the wheel, matching his unique driving style, is seemingly a limitation for anyone across the Red Bull garage.

Four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen has delivered a departure call to Red Bull ahead of the 2025 season. The Dutchman clinched his fourth successive Formula 1 world title last season, overcoming a drastic slump in form — which at one stage saw him go 10 grands prix without a win — to hold off the challenge of McLaren star Lando Norris.

Liam Lawson, who joined Red Bull’s junior program in 2019, made his F1 debut at the Dutch Grand Prix in 2023 with Scuderia AlphaTauri - rebranded as Racing Bulls - in place of the injured Daniel Ricciardo.