Lawson\u2019s journey to Red Bull has been unconventional, having made just 11 mid-season Grand Prix starts with Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri) across the 2023 and 2024 campaigns. However, his performances during those outings were enough to convince Red Bull to take a chance on him, opting to part ways with Sergio Perez in favor of the promising 23-year-old.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
For Lawson, the move represents not just a chance to race but to cement his place in the sport. Unlike previous Red Bull junior drivers, Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon\u2014who were promoted to the senior team only to be replaced after short stints\u2014Lawson is determined to make the most of this opportunity. Having worked within the Red Bull system for years, he feels at home in the environment and is eager to contribute. \u201cIt\u2019s the first time that I\u2019ve had a proper pre-season, so it\u2019s been quite strange to have so much time,\u201d Lawson said ahead of his debut season as a full-time Red Bull driver. \u201cIt feels like, honestly, now, I\u2019m ready to go racing.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
That confidence stems not just from his familiarity with the Red Bull setup but also from his belief that he has the pace and ability to compete at the highest level. He has already been on the Formula 1 grid, albeit in a limited role, and he insists that he doesn\u2019t feel like a rookie anymore. \u201cI feel like a rookie in Melbourne and those tracks\u2026the tracks I haven\u2019t done, for sure,\u201d he admitted. \u201cBut in F1? No. I\u2019ve been in the paddock long enough, I\u2019ve obviously done enough races, to know how the sport works and to understand it.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite this assertion, Lawson is still officially considered one of six rookies on the 2025 grid, alongside Mercedes\u2019 Kimi Antonelli, Alpine\u2019s Jack Doohan, Haas\u2019 Oliver Bearman, Racing Bulls\u2019 Isack Hadjar, and Kick Sauber\u2019s Gabriel Bortoleto.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, he sees himself in a unique position compared to the others. Having already competed in real race conditions and worked closely with Red Bull\u2019s main team, he has the advantage of experience that most newcomers lack.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cStarting the season, it\u2019s going to feel quite new, just because of the tracks we\u2019re going to and because it\u2019s the start of a season, but no, in F1, I don\u2019t feel like a rookie.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Now, the challenge will be to establish himself as a worthy partner to Verstappen, who has dominated the sport in recent years. Lawson knows he will be measured against the reigning four-time world champion, but he appears undaunted by the task ahead. His focus remains on maximizing his potential and delivering strong performances rather than being intimidated by the stature of his teammate.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cStarting the season, it\u2019s going to feel quite new, just because of the tracks we\u2019re going to and because it\u2019s the start of a season, but no, in F1, I don\u2019t feel like a rookie.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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