Liam Lawson Opens Up About Max Verstappen’s Support Following His Unexpected Red Bull Setback

Liam Lawson has shed new light on the support he received from Max Verstappen after one of the most challenging periods of his racing career, revealing that the reigning Formula 1 champion played an important role in helping him navigate the disappointment of losing his Red Bull seat.

The New Zealand driver found himself at the center of one of the most talked-about stories of the Formula 1 season when Red Bull made the surprising decision to remove him from the senior team after only two race weekends. Having earned a promotion from Racing Bulls to replace Sergio Perez, Lawson entered the campaign with high expectations and the opportunity of a lifetime. However, after appearances in Australia and China, the team chose to make a change, bringing his brief stint with Red Bull to an abrupt end.

The decision generated considerable debate throughout the Formula 1 paddock. Many observers questioned whether Lawson had been given enough time to demonstrate his abilities, while others pointed to the immense pressure that comes with driving alongside a multiple world champion at one of the sport’s most demanding teams.

Among those who appeared unconvinced by the move was Verstappen himself.

Although the Dutch star did not publicly criticize his team in detail, he signaled discomfort with the decision, leading many to speculate about his views regarding the treatment of Lawson. Now, the young driver has provided a glimpse into the conversations that took place behind the scenes and revealed just how supportive Verstappen was during a difficult chapter in his career.

Speaking about their relationship, Lawson described Verstappen as someone whose personality differs from what many people might expect given his extraordinary success. While the four-time world champion is often viewed as fiercely competitive on track, Lawson emphasized that away from racing, Verstappen has consistently remained approachable, genuine, and down-to-earth.

According to Lawson, one of the qualities he respects most about Verstappen is his authenticity.

Despite occupying one of the most prominent positions in world motorsport, Verstappen has never behaved as though he is above others in the paddock. Lawson explained that it would be easy for someone with Verstappen’s achievements and status to become detached from younger drivers or less experienced team members.

Instead, he has remained remarkably grounded.

Lawson noted that Verstappen treats people with respect regardless of their position within the sport. Whether interacting with fellow drivers, engineers, team personnel, or emerging talents, he maintains the same straightforward attitude.

That approach left a strong impression on Lawson long before he joined Red Bull’s senior team.

The relationship between the two drivers began developing during Lawson’s years in the junior categories. At the time, Lawson was competing in Formula 2 while serving as a reserve driver within the Red Bull program. Although Verstappen was already an established Formula 1 superstar, he regularly took the time to speak with the young New Zealander and ask about his progress.

Lawson recalled being surprised by Verstappen’s genuine interest in his development.

Rather than limiting conversations to polite greetings, Verstappen would actively ask questions about Formula 2, his performances, and the challenges he was facing. He wanted to know how the car felt, what Lawson was learning, and how his season was progressing.

For a young driver working toward a Formula 1 opportunity, those interactions were meaningful.

Lawson explained that seeing a driver of Verstappen’s stature take an interest in his career made a lasting impression. It demonstrated a level of humility and sincerity that he had not necessarily expected from someone at the pinnacle of the sport.

As the years passed and Lawson moved closer to securing a full-time Formula 1 role, those positive interactions continued.

When Red Bull eventually promoted him to the senior team, Verstappen’s attitude remained unchanged.

According to Lawson, the reigning champion consistently made an effort to acknowledge him, welcome him into the environment, and help him feel comfortable within the team. Small gestures such as greeting him in the garage or checking in on how things were going contributed to a positive working relationship.

While these actions may seem simple, Lawson suggested they carried significant weight given the pressure associated with joining one of Formula 1’s most competitive organizations.

Few drivers enter the Red Bull environment without feeling the burden of expectations.

The team has built a reputation for demanding excellence, and comparisons with Verstappen are unavoidable. Any driver sharing a garage with the Dutchman immediately finds themselves under intense scrutiny from both the team and the media.

For Lawson, adapting to that environment was already a major challenge.

The subsequent decision to remove him from the seat after only two races made the situation even more difficult.

Such setbacks can have a profound impact on a driver’s confidence. Formula 1 careers are often defined by narrow opportunities, and losing a coveted seat so quickly can raise questions about the future.

During that period, Lawson sought guidance and support from several people within his professional network.

One of those individuals was Verstappen.

Although Lawson chose not to reveal specific details of their conversations, he made it clear that Verstappen was among the most supportive figures he spoke to during that time.

The New Zealander emphasized that the Dutch driver offered encouragement and understanding when he needed it most.

Without elaborating on the exact nature of their discussions, Lawson repeatedly stressed how supportive Verstappen had been throughout the ordeal. His comments suggested that the reigning world champion understood both the emotional and professional challenges associated with such a setback.

For Lawson, those conversations helped reinforce the positive impression he had formed of Verstappen over the years.

While fans often focus on the fierce competitor seen on race weekends, Lawson’s account paints a picture of a driver who also values relationships, mentorship, and mutual respect within the paddock.

The story also highlights an often-overlooked aspect of Formula 1.

Behind the headlines, rivalries, and championship battles, drivers frequently develop strong professional relationships with one another. Although they compete fiercely on track, many understand the unique pressures that accompany life in the sport.

Few people can truly relate to the demands of Formula 1 better than fellow drivers.

Verstappen’s support for Lawson appears to reflect that understanding.

Having spent years navigating intense expectations, media scrutiny, and pressure from within the Red Bull system, Verstappen likely understands better than most how difficult such circumstances can be for a young driver.

Lawson’s comments offer a rare glimpse into that side of the reigning champion’s personality.

While Verstappen is often celebrated for his speed, racecraft, and championship success, those who work closely with him frequently describe a more personal side that is not always visible to the public.

According to Lawson, authenticity is one of the defining characteristics that sets Verstappen apart.

Whether speaking to established stars or young drivers trying to make their mark, he remains approachable and genuine.

As Lawson continues rebuilding momentum in his Formula 1 career, the support he received during one of its most difficult moments remains something he clearly values.

Although his time with Red Bull’s senior team ended far sooner than expected, the experience also reinforced an important lesson about the people around him.

In a sport often defined by ruthless competition, Lawson discovered that support can sometimes come from unexpected places.

And among the voices that helped him through a challenging period was Formula 1’s most successful driver of the modern era—someone who, despite all his achievements, never stopped treating others with respect and sincerity.