Marko has clear expectations of Lawson alongside Verstappen

Liam Lawson is not expected to match Max Verstappen in his first year for Red Bull Racing, but the Dutchman's new teammate has been given a clear brief for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Helmut Marko shares his expectations of Lawson.

Marko informed press about Verstappen's feelings, with the start of the new F1 season in sight. "He feels good and is looking forward to the first test in Bahrain," he let Austrian OE24 know. "The filming day is on 25 February. Then the official tests with the new car, which I have not yet seen in real life, will start."

So the RB21 will make its debut during the shakedown, which Red Bull has scheduled at the Bahrain International Circuit - a day before winter testing kicks off. That is when Verstappen and Lawson will put in their first miles in the new car, in which they hope to challenge McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes.

Lawson comes over from Racing Bulls (formerly VCARB). The New Zealander only has 11 Grands Prix to his name, but Red Bull has full confidence in Verstappen's new teammate. He has, however, been given a clear assignment: "He must continuously collect points and help Max when necessary. Just doing his best is not enough," Marko said.

X | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube