Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson: Red Bull's "Bad Guys" for F1 2025
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Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson, the 'bad guys' of Red Bull, are shaping the narrative for the 2025 F1 season. Explore their dynamics and how it impacts Red Bull Racing.
Red Bull Racing’s Formula 1 lineup for 2025 promises to bring both talent and drama to the grid, as Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson are shaping up to be the “bad guys” of the team. According to former Formula 1 driver Marc Surer, the duo’s assertive racing styles add to the sport's intensity and intrigue.
Verstappen: F1’s Villainous Champion
Max Verstappen, fresh off his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship title, has become a polarizing figure in the Formula 1 world. Known for his no-nonsense racing approach, Verstappen faced criticism in 2024 after clashes with McLaren’s Lando Norris, including incidents at the Red Bull Ring, Circuit of the Americas, and Mexico City.
While some, like former drivers Martin Brundle and Damon Hill, have questioned Verstappen’s racing ethics, others see his “bad guy” persona as essential to the sport. “You need a bad guy in Formula 1,” Surer explained on the Formula1.de YouTube channel. “Max Verstappen, who sometimes overshoots the mark, is great for the sport.”
Liam Lawson Joins the Ranks
Joining Verstappen at Red Bull for the 2025 season is Liam Lawson, who earned his seat after an impressive showing in the latter half of 2024. However, Lawson’s on-track demeanor has also drawn comparisons to Verstappen’s aggressive style, cementing his place as another “bad guy” in the Red Bull camp.
Lawson’s fiery nature came to the forefront during the 2024 Mexican Grand Prix, where he clashed with then-teammate Sergio Perez. The two collided while battling for position, with Perez’s car suffering floor damage. The incident sparked criticism from Red Bull’s motorsport advisor Helmut Marko and drew headlines when Lawson made a heated gesture toward Perez mid-race.
Lawson’s Response to Controversy
After the race, Lawson expressed regret for his actions, stating, “It’s obviously one of those in-the-moment things. He spent half the lap blocking me, trying to ruin my race, so I was upset. But it’s not an excuse. I shouldn’t have done it, and I apologize for that.”
Despite the controversy, Lawson’s performance and determination earned him a promotion to the senior Red Bull team for 2025. At just 22 years old, the Kiwi driver now faces the challenge of partnering with Verstappen and living up to the high expectations that come with a Red Bull seat.
Red Bull’s 2025 Dynamic
With Verstappen and Lawson leading Red Bull Racing, the team is poised for an intense and competitive season. Their assertive personalities and aggressive racing styles may draw criticism, but they also promise to keep fans on the edge of their seats. As Surer noted, “There has always been a bad guy in Formula 1. Now, Red Bull has two.”
The 2025 Formula 1 season is set to be a thrilling chapter for Red Bull, with Verstappen defending his title and Lawson aiming to prove himself as a worthy teammate. Whether as heroes or villains, the duo is sure to dominate headlines and fuel the drama that makes Formula 1 a global phenomenon.
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