Lawson enters the lion s den with a smile

LONDON - Liam Lawson has one of the toughest gigs in Formula One as teammate to Max Verstappen but while the 23-year-old New Zealander could be in for a beating, he also expects to learn fast this season.

Verstappen has won four titles in a row with Red Bull and has a reputation, as one reporter put it to Lawson ahead of Tuesdays F1 launch extravaganza in London, of being a teammate eater.

Lawson is the first teammate Verstappen, 27, has had younger than him but is starting his first full season and has yet to finish higher than ninth in 11 starts for sister team RB. Six months ago, he was not even sure of having a seat in F1.

Carlos Sainz, Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon and most recently Sergio Perez have all tried to live with the Dutch drivers brilliance and fallen short.

Its a great opportunity, the biggest opportunity Ive ever had, Lawson told reporters. I think it just depends on how you look at it.

Max is extremely successful in the sport but coming in knowing the teams goal of winning the constructors (title) and getting back on top, thats really what Im here to help achieve.

And if were doing that, I know that Im doing my job.

While Verstappen retained his drivers crown, Red Bull lost theirs to McLaren last season -- a result largely of Mexican Perezs shocking collapse in form.

Lawson will be expected to be a more consistent number two, supporting Verstappen and banking the points needed for the constructors championship while learning unfamiliar tracks.

As fast as Max is, I get access to everything hes doing so from a learning opportunity its also massive, said the Kiwi. Theres really nobody better to learn off than him.

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