In a surprising turn of events, New Zealand’s rising Formula 1 star Liam Lawson has been called up to temporarily replace two-time world champion Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing. Lawson, a highly regarded young driver from Red Bull’s junior program, has shown immense promise in the feeder series and now gets an extraordinary opportunity to prove his potential on the sport’s biggest stage.

Lawson’s call-up comes after Verstappen was forced to step away due to unforeseen circumstances, a rare occurrence given his dominance in recent seasons. The 21-year-old has previously impressed in Formula 2 and DTM, catching the attention of Red Bull’s top brass. His driving style and composure under pressure have made him a key candidate for future F1 seats, but this chance to race for Red Bull is unprecedented.

For Lawson, this is not just a fill-in role—it’s a potential game-changer for his career. Stepping into Verstappen’s seat, even temporarily, gives him the chance to showcase his skills in one of the fastest cars on the grid. It’s a huge test for the young driver, but Red Bull’s faith in him speaks volumes about his talent.

With Lawson stepping into the spotlight, all eyes will be on how he handles the pressure of competing at the highest level and filling the shoes of one of F1’s greatest drivers.