The Formula 1 paddock is abuzz with speculation surrounding Red Bull Racing’s potential shake-up for 2025, as Sergio Pérez’s underwhelming 2024 season has left his seat at risk. Amidst this, former F1 driver Christijan Albers has raised concerns about the team’s rumored choice of Liam Lawson, suggesting that pairing the young Kiwi with Max Verstappen could spell trouble for the Milton Keynes-based powerhouse.
Red Bull’s Driver Roulette: A High-Stakes Gamble
Liam Lawson’s impressive stand-in performances in 2024 have reportedly vaulted him to the top of Red Bull’s list to replace Pérez. However, Albers has cautioned the team about the potential volatility of fielding two drivers with similar high-intensity personalities.
“I am very excited about Lawson. I think he should get that chance. But I see some traits in him—he’s not really impressed by others. He’s a bit like Verstappen in that way. When you have two drivers with that kind of mentality, it can be a difficult story,” Albers remarked.
The Dutchman pointed out that Lawson’s confidence and aggressive racing style, while advantageous, might create tension alongside Verstappen, who has firmly established himself as Red Bull’s undisputed leader since 2021.
Liam Lawson: The Rising Star
Lawson’s stint with Red Bull’s junior team in 2024 showcased his raw talent and adaptability. Stepping into a challenging environment, he delivered consistent results, prompting praise from Red Bull’s senior figures, including team principal Christian Horner.
“Lawson proved himself in high-pressure situations this season. He’s shown resilience and an ability to maximize opportunities,” Horner said earlier this year.
Despite Lawson’s potential, his assertiveness and competitive streak could pose challenges in a team already built around Verstappen, a four-time World Champion and arguably the most dominant driver on the grid.
Perez’s Decline and Red Bull’s Dilemma
Sergio Pérez’s performance in 2024 fell well short of expectations, with the Mexican driver finishing a distant eighth in the Drivers’ Championship. His inability to consistently deliver points alongside Verstappen directly contributed to Red Bull losing the Constructors’ Championship to McLaren.
“Pérez was solid in his first two years but fell off dramatically in 2024. The points gap to Verstappen was too large, and it hurt the team’s title aspirations,” Albers explained.
With Pérez likely on his way out, Red Bull faces a tough decision: stick with the safer option of Yuki Tsunoda, who has shown steady growth, or gamble on Lawson, a driver with the potential to shake up the established order.
The Verstappen Factor
Verstappen’s dominance on the track extends to his influence within the team. The Dutchman’s blunt response when asked about a new teammate—“I don’t know. This is up to the team”—indicates a level of detachment but also underscores Red Bull’s willingness to prioritize Verstappen’s preferences.
However, Verstappen’s competitive nature could clash with Lawson’s confidence and hunger, creating internal friction reminiscent of past Red Bull driver pairings like Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber.
Can Red Bull Manage the Chaos?
Red Bull’s history is rife with high-profile teammate rivalries, but the team has always thrived on managing combustible dynamics. Lawson’s potential pairing with Verstappen would offer the team an exciting blend of youth and experience but could also invite unforeseen challenges.
“If Lawson gets the seat, Red Bull must be prepared to manage a potentially volatile relationship. While Verstappen is the team’s alpha, Lawson won’t back down easily,” Albers warned.
2025: A Year of Reckoning
Red Bull’s 2025 driver decision will not only shape the team’s internal dynamics but also its chances of reclaiming the Constructors’ Championship. Whether Lawson is ready to step into one of the most coveted—and scrutinized—seats in motorsport remains to be seen.
As Christian Horner and Helmut Marko weigh their options, one thing is certain: the stakes have never been higher. Will Red Bull take the gamble on Lawson’s promise, or will they opt for a safer, more predictable pairing? The answer could define the next era of Formula 1.
