If Liam Lawson wants to maintain a good relationship with Helmut Marko, he must match the performance of his new teammate.
Last year, Marko seemed to be more lenient, allowing Sergio Perez to underperform and still secure a contract renewal. However, Marko is now expecting Lawson to meet a high standard in his debut season.
He challenges Lawson to be within three-tenths of Max Verstappen’s pace in qualifying and the race to score points for the Constructors’ Championship. Additionally, Lawson is expected to improve his performance over time.
Marko acknowledges the difficulty of the task, especially competing against the current best F1 driver. He warns against trying to outdo Verstappen through unconventional tactics, emphasizing the need for acceptance and gradual progress.
Despite challenges faced by the team, including speculation over Verstappen’s future and high-profile departures, Marko had to ensure Lawson’s loyalty for the future. He praises Lawson’s patience and relief upon securing his Formula 1 seat.
