Liam Lawson will drive alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull in Formula 1 in 2025. The New Zealander hasn’t even driven a full season yet, but in the eyes of those responsible for the team he already has the necessary maturity for the job. Ex-Formula 1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve sees it differently: For him, Lawson is “arrogant”.
Liam Lawson has competed in eleven races in Formula 1 to date. However, the rookie didn’t just make friends in the paddock: there was a tough duel with world champion Fernando Alonso in Austin, which caused heated feelings on both sides.
In Mexico he clashed with, of all people, Sergio Perez, whom he now replaces at Red Bull. The two collided during the race, prompting Lawson to give a middle finger “salute” to his fellow driver.
Formula 1: Villeneuve predicts unrest at Red Bull
Actions that only allow one conclusion for Formula 1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve: “He is very arrogant for someone who has so little experience,” he told the English “Express”. Villeneuve should know, after all, when he made his Formula 1 debut at Williams in 1996, he directly clashed with his then teammate Damon Hill.
“His attitude is very strange. We’ll see how it works alongside Max and within the team,” doubted the 1997 champion.
But Lawson has the necessary pace to earn his place at Red Bull. “Lawson did a great job and is fast,” said Villeneuve. However, it is too early to say how the 22-year-old will fare in the team’s internal comparison.
“We have already seen drivers who quickly burned their fingers after being promoted,” the Canadian alluded to Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon, both of whom were unable to meet Red Bull’s expectations after being promoted from the B team.
Even though Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko justified the decision for Lawson with the peace within the team, Villeneuve believes: “If Lawson is fast and Max pushes, then there will be friction.”