When the lights go out Sunday at the Australian Grand Prix to begin the 2025 Formula 1 season, defending F1 Drivers’ Champion Max Verstappen will start third, behind perhaps two of his biggest challengers in Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

Formula 1 reigning champion Max Verstappen has reportedly 'declined' to participate in TikTok videos for Red Bull's social media platforms. The 27-year-old Dutchman, known for his light-hearted content and meme reenactments, has allegedly suggested that new team-mate Liam Lawson should take over these duties.

Verstappen’s teammate last year, Sergio Pérez, has been replaced by Liam Lawson this season, with the New Zealand driver set to make his full-time F1 debut in 2025. In the drizzly conditions in Bahrain, Lawson said he was fighting “a few teething gremlins” with his car as he sought to adjust to life alongside Verstappen.