Liam Lawson’s impressive debut with AlphaTauri last season has sparked widespread discussions about his future within the Red Bull Racing family. The 22-year-old New Zealander made waves when he stepped in for an injured driver at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix, navigating the tricky Zandvoort circuit with confidence and securing points in only his third Formula 1 outing—a remarkable feat that caught the attention of the F1 community.
Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s Technical Advisor, initially hinted that a decision regarding Lawson’s future would be made by September 2024. However, in a surprising turn of events, Marko has now confirmed that Lawson will be driving for either AlphaTauri or the main Red Bull team in 2025. This announcement is a major boost for Lawson, who has been patiently waiting for his opportunity to shine on the big stage.
This decision couldn’t come at a more critical time for Red Bull, as their current driver, Sergio Perez, has been struggling with form since the start of the 2023 season. Perez’s lackluster performances have sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning his future with the Milton Keynes-based team. Over the last seven races, Perez has managed to score only 24 points—a dismal return for a driver in one of the most competitive cars on the grid.
The pressure on Perez has intensified, with former German motorsport racer Marc Surer suggesting that the Mexican driver has lost confidence in himself, a critical factor in a sport where self-belief is paramount. Perez will need to deliver strong performances in the remaining races of the season if he hopes to retain his seat with Red Bull for 2024.
As the team evaluates its options, Lawson’s stellar performances and Marko’s recent statement suggest that Red Bull is seriously considering a lineup shake-up for the future. While Perez works to regain his form, the young Lawson’s potential rise to a Red Bull seat in 2025 signals a shift in the team’s strategy—one that could see fresh talent injected into their ranks as they continue to pursue championship glory.
Photo from Liam Lawson Instagram
