Sergio Perez is nearing the end of his time with Red Bull, with just five races left before Liam Lawson is expected to replace him for the 2025 season. This potential change has stirred considerable discussion, particularly following Christijan Albers’s bold claim that he will “eat my shoes” if Red Bull does not make the switch. The excitement surrounding this prospect heightened during the recent United States Grand Prix, where Red Bull’s junior team, VCARB, showcased a new driver lineup, hinting at shifts within the organization.
During the Austin race weekend, Lawson demonstrated his impressive skills by finishing third fastest in Q1 and advancing from the back of the grid to ninth place, despite incurring a 60-place grid penalty due to engine issues. In comparison, Perez only moved from ninth to seventh, trailing significantly behind his teammate, Max Verstappen, who once again exhibited dominance on the track. This disparity in performance has led many to argue for Lawson’s promotion, especially since Lawson showed a superior pace compared to Perez during the race.
Albers has been vocal in his support for Lawson, praising his performance in Austin, particularly given the challenges of racing on a new circuit. He noted that Lawson outperformed Tsunoda, which further highlights his readiness for a more prominent role within Red Bull. Albers believes Lawson’s recent performance suggests he should have been given the opportunity sooner, especially considering Perez’s ongoing difficulties in matching Verstappen’s speed.
Despite Lawson’s absence from competitive racing for an extended period, his quick adaptation during the United States Grand Prix was impressive, as he managed to score points on his return to Formula 1. Albers emphasized that Lawson is prepared for the challenge ahead and urged Red Bull to take the leap and promote him. He believes that the team should not be deterred by the mixed results of previous young driver promotions, as Lawson represents a fresh opportunity.
While Albers and pundit Tom Coronel agree on Lawson’s potential, Coronel expressed some reservations about Lawson’s readiness to directly compete with Verstappen as a teammate. He acknowledged that Perez is not currently providing the challenge needed to support Verstappen, suggesting that a more competitive second driver is essential for Red Bull’s success. This ongoing dialogue reflects a crucial decision point for Red Bull as they consider their future strategy in light of Perez’s struggles and Lawson’s promising performance.