Lawson can finally prepare for F1: 'It's been 12 hours notice before!'

In the 2025 Formula 1 season, Liam Lawson will make his Grand Prix debut for Red Bull Racing, alongside four-time world champion Max Verstappen. A big challenge for the young New Zealander, who is especially happy to finally have the time to prepare for F1.

In his previous role as reserve driver for Red Bull Racing and sister team Racing Bulls, Lawson had to be ready to step in should a replacement be needed. Both times, that scenario occurred completely unexpectedly: in 2023, he was allowed to drive five races for the then named AlphaTauri, as a replacement for the injured Daniel Ricciardo - who in turn had taken Nyck de Vries' place. Ricciardo crashed during the GP weekend at Zandvoort, forcing Lawson to be called to step in at the last minute.

He also replaced Ricciardo the second time around. This time, Lawson was informed a bit earlier, as the Australian's departure was imminent. That happened after the Singapore GP, after which Lawson was allowed to step in before the US GP in Austin to finish the rest of the season. This year, he makes the big move to Red Bull, where he will take Sergio Perez's place.

The big difference for Lawson is that this time he has plenty of time to prepare. "For me, it's nice, I've had an offseason, it's the first time I've actually had some time to think about what is coming up. Both other times that I have driven, it's been 12 hours' notice, and then I had a week's notice for Austin, or two weeks. It's nice to have a good break and time to prepare," he told Ford's season launch event.

At the same event, Horner said Lawsonwill have the "toughest job in F1" as Verstappen's teammate, but the Red Bull team boss believes the young talent is ready. "Even though he looks like he should be in a boy band," the Red Bull team boss jokingly added.

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