Jos Verstappen warns Liam Lawson: “Don’t do what I did with Schumacher in 1994 at Benetton”. Max Verstappen’s father hopes the New Zealander won’t repeat his mistake .

The advice of the former driver
After four years, Red Bull has decided to change Max Verstappen’s teammate. Sergio Perez was the ideal partner for the Dutchman from 2021 to 2023, but in 2024 Checo’s performance fell below the minimum standard after an excellent start that had led to a contract renewal between Sergio Perez and Red Bull—a renewal that was “torn up” at the end of the season, with a generous severance package provided by the Milton Keynes-based team to the Mexican driver.

Helmut Marko and Christian Horner have decided to bet on Liam Lawson, who, after accumulating a total of 11 GPs in 2023 and 2024, will now have to face direct competition with Max Verstappen—a challenge that left Pierre Gasly, Alexander Albon, and, in 2024, Sergio Perez battered and bruised.

Jos Verstappen has urged Lawson not to make the same mistake he made in 1994 when racing for the Benetton team managed by Flavio Briatore. Back then, Jos Verstappen was Michael Schumacher’s teammate: “My advice to Liam Lawson? Not to make the same mistake I did in 1994,” Verstappen Sr. said in an interview with F1-insider.com. “I tried to keep up with Schumacher’s pace, especially during races. It was practically like banging my head against a wall, but I was young and wanted to prove my worth at all costs, even though I lacked experience. Moreover, Michael was incredibly fast and also the undisputed leader at Benetton. I’ve also told Max not to make this mistake. Lawson shouldn’t try to keep up with Max but should grow gradually by focusing on himself. I hope they have a similar driving style so they can develop the car together.”