Liam Lawson has spoken openly about the pressure that comes with racing in Formula 1, explaining that no junior category can truly prepare a driver for life at the top level.

The New Zealander completed his first full Formula 1 season last year, after making substitute appearances in both 2023 and 2024. He began the season with a seat at Red Bull, but was moved back to the sister team after a difficult start to the year.

For the upcoming season, Lawson will be partnered by rookie Arvid Lindblad, who steps up from Formula 2. 

When asked whether Lindblad’s arrival adds more pressure, Lawson played down the idea.

“I don’t think so. Maybe there’s more of a leadership role expected but at the same time, it’s a new year with new cars,” he said, as quoted by RacingNews365.com.

“It’s my second year in F1, I’ve learned a huge amount in the one year that I’ve done.”

Lawson believes his experience from last season will help, but says both drivers face the same challenge with the new cars.

“I’m definitely grateful going into this season with everything I’ve learned last year. But with new cars, it’s something that’s going we’re going to be tackling together.”

Despite an up-and-down campaign, Lawson did enough to secure his place on the grid for the 2026 season. Speaking about the constant pressure in Formula 1, Lawson explained that he has lived with it for much of his career, especially as part of the Red Bull system.

“It’s something that I was exposed to from a young age. There’s a little bit more from Red Bull, when I signed with them at a young age, they put you under their pressure and almost prepare you for F1,” the Racing Bulls driver said.

However, Lawson admitted that the reality of Formula 1 pressure is on another level.

“It is huge, it’s massively different in F1. I don’t think anything can prepare you for the actual pressure of being in F1.”