Horner protects Lawson from Verstappen: 'Not too much pressure'

Barely 11 Grand Prix weekends Liam Lawson has behind him, yet he may already make the switch from Racing Bulls to Red Bull Racing this season. In relative lee, the New Zealander is being prepared by his new team for what will undoubtedly be a tough season alongside Max Verstappen.

Verstappen is known for being vastly superior to his teammates. Pierre Gasly, Alexander Albon and most recently Sergio Perez have experienced it first-hand. It could very well be that Lawson will be the four-time world champion's next 'victim.'

Although Lawson is bound to be compared to Verstappen both internally and externally, team boss Christian Horner is cautious with regard to his junior talent. "We've tried very hard not to put pressure on him so far, and he's basically easing his way in. He's in the US at the moment."

"He'll be back in the simulator again next week. So he's doing a decent job and we're just trying to ease him in quite gently.," Horner stated in conversation with Sky Sports.

As far as is known, no tests with old Red Bull cars are scheduled to give Lawson extra time behind the wheel. On the day before winter testing gets going in Bahrain, Red Bull plans to hold a shakedown with the 2025 F1 car, which will take place at the Sakhir International Circuit.