Albon hands Lawson Verstappen Red Bull warning

Alex Albon has cautioned Liam Lawson about potentially going up against Max Verstappen at Red Bull - but conceded the Kiwi would have to take the opportunity. 

Lawson is a contender for the 2025 seat alongside Verstappen as Red Bull grows increasingly frustrated by the lack of performance and results from Sergio Perez, with his future beyond the end of the season in doubt, despite a two-year contract extension before the Canadian GP. 

Should Lawson be promoted, he will be in a similar position to Albon, who himself was handed the Red Bull seat as a rookie driver in the second half of the 2019 season as Pierre Gasly was demoted back to what was then Toro Rosso. 

Albon impressed initially but struggled to match Verstappen and, despite scoring two podiums in 2020, was dropped for Perez at the end of that season. 

Analysing Lawson's position, speaking to media, including RacingNews365, Williams driver Albon said: "I think Liam is in a win-win.

"The worst case scenario is that he is in an RB, so in my head, do you need to jump into the main team that quickly against Max?

"From my experience, it is not a bad thing to spend a couple of years learning your craft a bit more, but of course, if there is an opportunity, and if you are going to have the opportunity, you have to take it. 

"Clearly there is going to be a bit of pressure between the RB drivers to get that seat, and you feel that a little bit. I see it in the races, I see it in the moves, but it is the aim of the game with two hungry drivers."

Lawson a 'hungry' driver

In Mexico last weekend, Lawson and Perez collided on track after a battle, which left the Red Bull with severe damage that ruined the home hero's race. 

After eventually re-passing Perez, Lawson showed his middle finger to the Mexican, something Albon defended as Lawson himself quickly apologised.

"I don't think that was pressure, it was actual frustration at the other driver," Albon added.

"I wouldn't have done it personally, not in Mexico at the home race, but that is just drivers who are hungry."