In the high-octane world of Formula 1, being Max Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull is no easy task. As Red Bull puts Liam Lawson to the test, the question looms: who can effectively partner with Verstappen? According to Allard Kalff, the odds are daunting for anyone stepping into that second seat.
Max Verstappen’s rise to prominence since joining Red Bull in 2016 has left a string of former teammates in his wake. Daniel Ricciardo, one of the first to challenge him, eventually left the team due to Verstappen’s growing dominance and the team’s alignment with the young driver. Ricciardo’s departure led to a shuffle where Pierre Gasly and later Alex Albon found themselves unable to match Verstappen’s pace. Their struggles resulted in both drivers being demoted or moved after failing to keep up.
The revolving door of teammates continued as Sergio Perez took the seat in 2021. Initially, Perez brought hope by winning a Grand Prix and aiding Verstappen in securing his first championship. However, his form has waned, and with two races before the summer break, he finds himself 137 points behind Verstappen, significantly behind the threshold that would secure his position. Team boss Christian Horner acknowledges Perez’s results are becoming untenable.
Meanwhile, Red Bull is conducting private tests at Silverstone, evaluating the futures of their drivers, which might influence the team lineup for future seasons, including the potential replacement of Perez. The RB20 car, designed around Verstappen’s driving, poses a unique challenge for any second driver, as it significantly suits the lead driver, leaving others struggling to adapt.
Kalff candidly describes the position of Red Bull’s second driver as ‘simply screwed.’ He points out that the RB20’s performance, tailored for Verstappen, has hindered past teammates like Albon and Gasly, along with current driver Perez. According to Kalff, regardless of who steps into the seat—be it Gasly, Albon, Perez, or Ricciardo—they face the same plight.
The competitive nature of Formula 1 teams, including Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes, winning races this year adds pressure on Red Bull to find a reliable second driver. Without consistent performance from a teammate, Red Bull risks falling behind in the Constructors’ Championship, making the role of Verstappen’s partner even more critical.
The role of being Max Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull remains one of the most challenging in Formula 1. With the immense pressure to perform and a car tailored to Verstappen’s strengths, any driver stepping into the second seat faces a steep uphill battle. While Red Bull searches for someone who can not only endure but thrive in this environment, the history of previous teammates suggests it is a task fraught with difficulties.
