Lawson handed vote of confidence ahead of Verstappen test

Liam Lawson faces the toughest challenge in F1 during his first full season in the championship, let alone the most daunting task of the 2025 rookie class.

Alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull, the New Zealander is not expected to beat his team-mate, merely survive the relentlessness of the four-time F1 drivers' champion's onslaught. In short, he needs to fare better than Sergio Perez did last term.

However, despite already having 11 grand prix under his belt, Lawson will also be marked against his fellow rookies.

Even though it is an inexact science, with all six racing different cars, getting the better of his peers will be critical for Lawson, who is widely expected to have the best machinery of the bunch underneath him.

Nonetheless, the 22-year-old has been handed an early victory in the court of public opinion.

In response to a recent poll by RacingNews365, half of all voters believe the Red Bull driver will score the most points over the season to come.

Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli garnered 34 per cent support. The young Italian is the only driver likely to have a car capable of challenging Lawson consistently.

Check out the full results from the latest RacingNews365 poll below and let us know what you think in the comments.