Red Bull is likely to shake up its driver lineup next season, with Liam Lawson poised to join Max Verstappen as his new teammate. After an impressive run in his six-race audition, particularly at the United States Grand Prix, it seems increasingly likely that Red Bull will promote him. Initially thought to be competing for a seat with Red Bull’s junior team, VCARB, Lawson’s strong performances have put him in contention for a spot on the senior team, replacing Sergio Perez.
Sergio Perez, despite signing a contract extension until 2025, has struggled this season, going 14 races without a podium. His form has been a significant factor in Red Bull’s fall from the top of the Constructors’ standings, where they are now at risk of dropping behind Ferrari. Perez’s struggles, combined with Lawson’s rising stock, have fueled speculation that Red Bull could make a change at the end of the season.
Lawson made a strong case for himself at the United States Grand Prix, where he fought from the back of the grid to finish ninth, while Perez managed only seventh despite starting in a more favorable position. The difference in their performances was striking, with Lawson just 10 seconds behind Perez, despite starting much further back and dealing with an engine penalty.
Former F1 driver Christijan Albers has publicly backed Lawson for the Red Bull seat, stating that the team would be “crazy” to stick with Perez given his inconsistency. Albers pointed out that Perez’s struggles often stem from focusing too much on Verstappen, while Lawson’s hunger and determination make him a strong candidate for the role. According to Albers, if Lawson keeps up his form in the final five races, there should be no doubt about his promotion.
Red Bull’s leadership has also praised Lawson’s performance, with Helmut Marko calling him a “man for the future” and Christian Horner remarking that he drives with the maturity of a veteran. As the season nears its conclusion, it seems more likely that Red Bull will make a bold move by promoting the young Kiwi driver to their top team alongside Verstappen for the 2024 season.
