Liam Lawson’s Emotional Struggles Next to Max Verstappen, The Pain of Being Just a Replacement and the Hope for a Pre-Season Change

Formula 1 is a world of fierce competition where only a select few get the chance to prove themselves on the biggest stage in motorsport. For young drivers like Liam Lawson, the journey to securing a permanent seat in Formula 1 is a relentless battle, full of highs and lows.

Despite showing great talent during his brief stint in the 2023 season, Lawson finds himself stuck in the shadows—watching from the sidelines while other drivers secure race seats ahead of him. His position as a reserve driver for Red Bull Racing and Visa Cash App RB (formerly AlphaTauri) leaves him in a difficult spot, where he must deal with the reality that, for now, he is just a replacement rather than a full-time competitor.

Adding to the emotional weight of his struggle is the presence of Max Verstappen, a three-time world champion who represents the absolute peak of Formula 1 performance. Lawson must deal with the frustration of knowing that even if he joins Red Bull, he will always be compared to Verstappen—a nearly impossible benchmark to match.

As the pre-season unfolds, there is still hope for change, but will Liam Lawson finally get his long-awaited break, or will he continue to suffer in silence, watching others take the opportunities he has worked so hard to earn?

Liam Lawson’s Pain: A Rising Star Stuck in Limbo

Liam Lawson is no stranger to fighting for his place in Formula 1. The young New Zealander rose through the Red Bull Junior Program, proving himself in Formula 2, the DTM racing series, and various junior categories. His aggressive driving style, quick adaptability, and mental resilience made him one of Red Bull’s most promising young talents.

However, despite his achievements, Lawson faces a painful truth—he is currently seen as nothing more than a backup driver.

His big moment came unexpectedly in 2023 when Daniel Ricciardo suffered a hand injury, forcing Red Bull to call upon Lawson to fill the vacant seat at Visa Cash App RB. Many expected him to struggle, but instead, he delivered impressive performances—scoring points, competing against more experienced drivers, and even outperforming his temporary teammate, Yuki Tsunoda.

But when Ricciardo recovered, Lawson was forced to step aside and return to the reserve role, despite proving he deserved more. The team chose to retain Ricciardo and Suzuki for the 2024 season, leaving Lawson without a race seat once again.

For a young driver eager to make his mark, being forced to watch others race while he sits on the sidelines is a heartbreaking experience. Every race weekend serves as a painful reminder that, despite his talent, he has no control over his fate.

Max Verstappen: The Impossible Standard to Meet

The presence of Max Verstappen in the Red Bull setup makes things even harder for Lawson.

• Verstappen is the team’s golden driver and has been their primary focus since he joined as a teenager.
• Red Bull is built around Verstappen’s success, and as long as he is in the team, they are unlikely to give another young driver the same level of support.
• Lawson, like every other Red Bull driver, is compared to Verstappen—an unfair battle, considering that Verstappen is already one of the greatest drivers in modern F1 history.

This reality means that Lawson’s road to a full-time Red Bull Racing seat is extremely difficult. Even if Sergio Pérez underperforms, Red Bull might prefer a more experienced option, such as bringing back Ricciardo, rather than promoting Lawson.

This creates a difficult emotional and mental challenge for the young New Zealander. No matter how much potential he shows, he knows the reality of being a Red Bull junior driver—if you are not Verstappen, you are replaceable.

The Emotional Weight of Being a Replacement Driver

For Liam Lawson, being labeled as just a replacement is the most painful part of his journey.

• In motorsport, drivers live for the opportunity to compete. Every race is a chance to prove themselves, to fight for podiums, and to leave a legacy in the sport.
• But a reserve driver does not get those opportunities. Instead, they are forced to wait for an accident, an illness, or a team decision to get their shot.
• Even when they get a chance, there is no guarantee that their performance will earn them a permanent seat.

This creates an emotional struggle—Lawson knows he has the ability to be on the grid, yet he must watch from the sidelines as others take the opportunities he has worked for.

Being a replacement also means that he is constantly at risk of being forgotten. In Formula 1, where new talents emerge every year, a driver who is not racing regularly is quickly overshadowed by the next rising star.

This adds a layer of psychological pressure, as Lawson knows that every moment he spends off the grid reduces his chances of securing a future seat.

The Pre-Season Changes: Could a Shakeup Finally Give Lawson a Break?

As the 2024 pre-season progresses, there is a glimmer of hope that Red Bull’s driver lineup could change, opening the door for Lawson.

Potential Changes That Could Benefit Lawson

1. Sergio Pérez’s Struggles Continue

   • If Pérez underperforms in the early races, Red Bull may start looking for a replacement mid-season.
   • This could be Lawson’s best chance to step into a top team, but he would still have to fight Ricciardo for the spot.

2. Daniel Ricciardo or Yuki Tsunoda Fail to Impress

   • If either Ricciardo or Tsunoda struggle in Visa Cash App RB, Red Bull might reshuffle their driver lineup.
   • Since Lawson is already under contract, he would be the first option to take a full-time seat.

3. A Surprise Decision from Red Bull Management

   • Red Bull is known for making unexpected driver changes.
   • If they decide to take a risk on young talent over experience, Lawson could get an early promotion.

These scenarios give Lawson some hope that his suffering on the sidelines might not last forever.

Liam Lawson’s Mental Strength: How He is Handling the Struggle

Despite all the frustrations and setbacks, Liam Lawson remains determined.

• He continues to train and develop his skills in Red Bull’s simulator, ensuring that he is always prepared for an opportunity.
• He maintains a professional and patient attitude, understanding that Formula 1 is unpredictable and that his time could come at any moment.
• Instead of complaining, he focuses on proving that he belongs in F1, knowing that persistence is key to survival in the sport.

This level of mental resilience is what separates good drivers from great ones, and if Lawson can endure this period of struggle, he will come out stronger when his next opportunity arrives.

Final Thoughts: Will Liam Lawson’s Heartache End with a Seat in 2024?

Liam Lawson’s warm-hearted struggle beside Verstappen, his painful position as just a replacement, and his hope for a pre-season change make him one of the most intriguing young drivers in Formula 1.

• He has proven he deserves a full-time seat, yet politics and team decisions have kept him off the grid.
• His fate depends on Red Bull’s unpredictable driver strategy, which could either grant him an opportunity or force him to wait another season.
• His mental strength and patience will be the keys to his long-term success, as Formula 1 is a sport where perseverance can turn setbacks into breakthroughs.

For now, Liam Lawson remains on standby, hoping that his painful wait will soon end with the opportunity he has worked so hard to earn.