Red Bull sign up for 'peace' process between Verstappen and Lawson

Red Bull has been hailed for its approach to the new F1 season after signing Liam Lawson to partner Max Verstappen.

It's the latter who is once again expected to lead the squad in his 11th F1 season as the Dutchman aims to secure his fifth consecutive F1 title - a feat that has been achieved just once before.

With just 11 grand prix starts to his name, Lawson is vastly inexperienced compared to his predecessor Sergio Perez, who was dropped at the end of the 2024 season.

Perez struggled for form alongside Verstappen, as did Alex Albon and Pierre Gasly before him. With Lawson's promotion, former F1 driver Christian Klien sees a major turnaround in the team's expectations of the second driver.

“The leadership at Red Bull Racing has made a big turnaround in terms of putting pressure on the driver next to Verstappen in the team, so starting this year Lawson,” Klien exclusively told RacingNews365. 

“Where there used to be great expectations immediately with Gasly, for example, you now see that the team has understood that Verstappen is simply different.

“They now know how special Verstappen is and that it would not be easy for any other driver to be at the Dutchman's side. 

“The team has realised that they need to take a different, conservative approach. In doing so, they will give Lawson time, despite the fact that he is not quite a rookie.”

Klien calls for patience and Lawson 'space'

Red Bull endured a challenging pre-season testing, setting the fewest laps of any team as it ran into several gremlins.

Lawson has outlined he is not expecting to be a consistent competitor straight away as he gets up to speed in his new role in a championship-contending squad.

Klien detailed the importance of affording Lawson time to gel in his new environment.

“They will not require him to beat Verstappen or even be as fast as him. One is going to give Lawson time and hope that he can compete for podium spots during the season.

“He will have to collect points constantly, so that one doesn't have to struggle so much in the constructors' championship like last year. 

“There are millions to be earned there and so it is important for Red Bull Racing to do better in that championship this year.

“To achieve that, they will put less pressure on Lawson and give him more space. That will be good for him and ultimately for the team. 

“It doesn't make sense for anyone to push the guy too much, not for him and not for the team. There has to be peace and the team will create that for him.”