Villeneuve Could See Lawson Helping Verstappen 'Drive Even Better'
F1Sunday, 19 January 2025 at 13:07
Jacques Villeneuve explained how Liam Lawson could make Max Verstappen a better driver even though he want to replace him.
Following the end of 2024, the Red Bull Racing F1 team and Sergio Perez decided to split ways, which opened up an opportunity for Liam Lawson.
The 22-year-old New Zealander will be Max Verstappen's new teammate in 2025 and will face a huge challenge. The Dutchman had two rookie teammates in the past - Alex Albon and Pierre Gasly.
Neither of the two made it past 1.5 seasons alongside Verstappen before getting replaced, as they couldn't match his pace. Not being able to match a teammate's seems to take a psychological toll on F1 drivers.
Consequently, Lawson suggested he's approaching this challenge with a different mindset and expectations, not trying to compete with the four-time world champion.
However, Jacques Villeneuve suggested in an interview with Action Network that the New Zealander will, in reality, still focus on comparing himself to Max Verstappen as he will want to "replace" him in the future.
"It's a big chance for Liam Lawson, it's a big opportunity, but we've seen drivers being put into the main team right away collapse very quickly."
"We'll see how mentally strong he is and how good he really is, because we don't know yet. I mean, you cannot take his F2 season, his Japanese season or his races against Tsunoda as a benchmark."
"Contractually Lawson is there to help Verstappen, but in his own head, he's not. In his head, he's there to replace Max, so he will try to be tough and quick."
In case Lawson managed to get close to the 27-year-old, Villeneuve proposed it could even benefit the F1 team from Milton Keynes.
"Hopefully it will put Max under pressure and push Max to drive even better. and this way helps the team to make progress."
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