Lawson addresses Verstappen 'toughest guy' Red Bull challenge

Liam Lawson has recognised that Max Verstappen is the "toughest guy" to be alongside in Formula 1 but is ready for the challenge. 

The New Zealander's promotion to Red Bull for the 2025 F1 season represents the driver's first experience as in a full-time seat. 

Previously, Lawson has only ever been a substitute driver, with 11 appearances having been made in the sister team across the last two seasons. 

In being promoted to a Red Bull seat, Lawson has jumped Yuki Tsunoda who again was snubbed for a spot at the Milton Keynes-based team. 

Lawson is aware of just how big an opportunity he has this year and the pressure racing for Red Bull will bring, particularly in the opening rounds at circuits he has never visited.

"I'm well aware of how fortunate I am to come into a team like this this early, to have this opportunity," Lawson told ESPN.  

"So for me, it's extremely exciting to go into a season like this, at the same time, I'm well aware of how much pressure that's going to come with and how hard that's going to be. 

"As we said, especially starting the year at tracks that I haven't done before, and obviously having a team-mate that's a four-time world champion in Max is going to be extremely tough. 

"At the same time, there's nobody really better for me to be learning off, for me to be alongside. So I think it comes with a great opportunity."

Not only will Lawson be under pressure racing for Red Bull, additional pressure will be applied on him due to Verstappen. 

The reigning world champion has destroyed his last three team-mates, although Lawson believes the Dutchman is actually the ideal person to partner and learn from.

"I think for sure it depends on how you look at it," added Lawson. "I think he's the toughest guy to try and go in and beat, as much as we all want to win in F1, and that's what we're all here to do. 

"For me, obviously, starting this year at these circuits and this sort of nature, for me, it's more about sort of taking those learnings and making the most of having somebody like that as a team-mate and having access to everything that he's doing."