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The world of Formula 1 is rarely static, but for Red Bull’s roster, the recent timeline has been particularly volatile. While the team navigates the immediate future of its driver lineup, long-term questions are already being answered by their star champion.
Lawson’s Trial by Fire
Liam Lawson is no stranger to being thrown into the deep end. Now holding 35 Grand Prix entries and 44 career points, the New Zealander’s path to a permanent seat has been defined by high-stakes substitutions and sudden reversals. A proven winner in F3 and F2, Lawson was serving as Red Bull’s reserve driver when a twist of fate at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix—Daniel Ricciardo breaking his hand—forced him into the cockpit.
That debut at Zandvoort was a sink-or-swim moment in torrential rain, but it was his performance in Singapore that truly turned heads. Battling intense humidity, the rookie famously knocked Max Verstappen out of qualifying to reach Q3 and secured vital points on race day. Despite that stellar run, he was initially passed over for a 2024 drive as the team stuck with experience. However, Lawson played the long game, proving his worth to team chiefs until the door opened again.
The 2025 Seat Shuffle
Singapore eventually served as the backdrop for a second major career shift. With Red Bull reevaluating their “bigger picture” for 2025, Lawson was handed the golden ticket: replacing Sergio Perez as Max Verstappen’s teammate. Yet, the unforgiving nature of the sport struck quickly. After just two difficult races with the senior outfit, Lawson was shuffled back to the Racing Bulls squad.
Remarkably, the “demotion” didn’t break him. Unperturbed by the whirlwind changes, the Kiwi quickly rebuilt his reputation at RB, solidifying his status as a resilient fixture on the grid with a career-best finish of fifth and a highest starting position of third.
Verstappen Eyes the Exit Ramp
While Lawson fights to cement his place in the sport, his occasional teammate Max Verstappen is already discussing his departure. The Dutch superstar has been candid about his future, making it clear he does not intend to emulate the longevity of rivals like Fernando Alonso, 44, or Lewis Hamilton, 41.
“I certainly won’t be around as long as Fernando Alonso or Lewis Hamilton,” the three-time World Champion stated. While he is committed to fulfilling his Red Bull Racing contract through the end of 2028, fans shouldn’t expect to see him transition into a team principal role post-retirement. Verstappen has firmly ruled out a move into management, insisting he is in F1 solely to drive.
A Potential Le Mans Super-Team
Verstappen’s post-F1 ambitions lie in endurance racing rather than American open-wheel series like IndyCar, which he says holds no appeal for him. His primary target is the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. Having visited the race during his father’s competitive years, he remains captivated by the unique atmosphere of the event, from the night stints to the sunrise.
The prospect of endurance racing offers a specific challenge Verstappen enjoys: finding the perfect compromise on car setup with teammates. Interestingly, he has already identified a dream partner for the historic race. Verstappen revealed he has discussed the idea with Fernando Alonso, noting that the veteran Spaniard set one condition for a return to the French classic.
