David Coulthard warns: Lawson will be compared to Verstappen from the start

Liam Lawson is ready to take on one of the biggest challenges of his career: becoming Max Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull. But this opportunity comes with overwhelming pressure. Christian Horner and Helmut Marko have made their decision: after only 11 Grand Prix in F1, Lawson will replace Sergio Perez, whose services were terminated at the end of last season.

Christian Horner, Red Bull team principal, has already warned: « He must focus on his performance and not worry about what Verstappen is doing. » Easier said than done… But how can you not look over to the other side of the garage when sharing the team with a three-time world champion?

David Coulthard, former Red Bull driver, is clear in the RacingNews365 podcast: « That Liam has a 10-race and 11-race head start over the other rookies doesn’t matter. He will be directly compared to Max. If he gets close or beats him, he has a long career in F1. If not, the bell will toll and the next contender will come. » No half-measures at Red Bull.

Being a rookie in F1, an excuse that no longer holds

Lawson is not the only one making his debut in the big leagues this year. Other rookies like Kimi Antonelli, Oliver Bearman, Gabriel Bortoleto, Jack Doohan, and Isack Hadjar will try to prove themselves, each with their own goals. David Coulthard is clear: « Being a rookie is not a sufficient excuse. » With already 11 races of experience, equivalent to two-thirds of a season in the 90s, no more excuses: « You have a chance to make a first impression and, if you are lucky, a season to prove your worth. »

Today’s young drivers have simulators, private tests with old F1 cars, and highly structured preparation. Kimi Antonelli, a rookie at Mercedes, has already driven thousands of kilometers before even his first official Grand Prix. Coulthard reminds: “If you’re good enough, you’re old enough.”

Lawson is not the first to have to coexist with Max Verstappen. We know the scenario: Daniel Ricciardo left before being sidelined, Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon didn’t last a season, and Sergio Perez saw his contract abruptly terminated. The problem? All were compared on the same scale as Verstappen, a monster of consistency and speed. Lawson will have to prove that he is up to the task without getting psychologically crushed.

But is it even possible? Since Verstappen has been with Red Bull, no one has managed to hold a candle to him over the long term. All his former teammates have been judged in comparison to him, and it will be the same for Lawson, reminds Coulthard.

No second chance at Red Bull

Are rookies like Lawson ready for such a challenge? David Coulthard doesn’t believe in excuses related to experience: « Ayrton Senna moved directly from F3 to F1. Kimi Räikkönen came from Formula Renault. »

History shows that true talents adapt immediately. Lawson will have to prove that he is part of this elite. And quickly, because at Red Bull, patience is a luxury.