“Red Bull Set for Turbulence in 2025 with Verstappen-Lawson Teammate Tensions”…..read more
Max Verstappen’s 2025 Formula 1 season could be filled with drama, as tensions are expected to rise with his new Red Bull teammate, Liam Lawson. Lawson, who replaced Sergio Perez after the Mexican’s inconsistent performances led to Red Bull dropping to third in the constructors’ championship, is predicted to stir things up within the team. Despite Verstappen securing his fourth world drivers’ title in 2024, Perez’s position at Red Bull became unsustainable due to his lackluster results, though his relationship with Verstappen remained relatively harmonious since Perez joined the team in 2021.
However, Lawson’s history on the track suggests a different dynamic. The 22-year-old New Zealander has been involved in several fiery exchanges with drivers like Fernando Alonso and Perez during previous races, notably at the 2024 U.S. Grand Prix. His aggressive racing style raises questions about how he will interact with Verstappen, who is known for his own unyielding driving tactics. Verstappen’s aggressive approach to racing, particularly in his battles with Lando Norris in 2024, has raised concerns among fans and analysts alike.
Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has suggested that Lawson’s history of on-track clashes could lead to further tensions within the Red Bull camp in 2025. Montoya emphasized that any driver wanting to beat Verstappen needs to adopt a similarly forceful approach, even to the point of being ready to risk crashing. With Lawson’s past incidents in mind, Montoya believes friction between the two teammates is almost inevitable. He warned that while fans might initially find Lawson’s bold approach entertaining, it is likely to escalate into a more serious issue within the team. Montoya specifically questioned how much respect Lawson would show Verstappen, predicting minimal deference from the young driver.
This potential clash between Verstappen and Lawson adds another layer of intrigue to what is already shaping up to be a highly charged season for Red Bull. The team will need to manage these internal dynamics carefully as the rivalry between the two teammates could significantly impact both their performance and the team’s success in 2025.