Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has slammed Liam Lawson’s recent on-track skirmishes with Sergio Perez, accusing the young New Zealand driver of jeopardizing Red Bull’s Constructors’ Championship ambitions. Lawson, who joined Visa Cash App RB mid-season, has been embroiled in battles with Perez, sparking both criticism and debate over his role within the Red Bull driver ecosystem.
“Stealing Points from Red Bull”
Reflecting on Lawson’s performance during the Mexican Grand Prix—where the 22-year-old finished P16 following a contentious tussle with Perez—Montoya expressed disapproval of the rookie’s approach.
“I understand that he wants to prove that he is better, that Checo is ‘nobody’ and he is capable of anything,” Montoya stated. “But the only thing Liam is doing is stealing points from Red Bull for the Constructors’ World Championship.”
Lawson, filling in for the remainder of the season after Daniel Ricciardo’s injury, has drawn both praise and criticism. While his aggressive driving has impressed some, Montoya believes it could undermine Red Bull’s broader objectives.
Perez Under Pressure, but Still Valuable
Sergio Perez, under contract with Red Bull until 2026, has faced mounting scrutiny for inconsistent performances. The Mexican driver’s last win came in Azerbaijan in 2023, and since then, a series of underwhelming results has fueled speculation about his future with the team. Despite this, Montoya highlighted Perez’s strategic and financial importance to Red Bull.
“Everyone keeps saying Perez is out at the next race. Stop saying it. He has a contract,” Montoya emphasized. “He brings sponsorship and stability to the team.”
Perez’s ability to secure sponsorship, particularly from Latin America, remains a significant asset for Red Bull. According to Montoya, this alone might explain why Red Bull has resisted pulling the trigger on replacing Perez, despite ongoing rumors of drivers like Lawson or Franco Colapinto being in the running for his seat.
Lawson’s Growing Pressure to Impress
Liam Lawson’s fiery debut season has put him under a microscope. While his ambition to prove himself against Perez is understandable, Montoya believes it’s misguided when it comes at the expense of Red Bull’s team goals. However, the former Colombian racer admitted that Lawson’s actions stem from a need to prove his worth against a driver perceived to be underperforming.
The Red Bull Driver Dilemma
Red Bull’s driver conundrum extends beyond Perez and Lawson. With an overflowing pipeline of talented juniors, including Franco Colapinto and Yuki Tsunoda, and experienced hands like Ricciardo vying for a seat, the team faces a tricky balancing act. Should Lawson continue to stir the pot, it may further complicate an already delicate situation within the Red Bull camp.
For now, Perez remains entrenched at Red Bull, but the growing pressure from younger drivers like Lawson and whispers of other contenders may force the team to reevaluate its driver strategy for 2025 and beyond. Until then, Lawson’s fiery ambition and Perez’s inconsistency will remain focal points in Red Bull’s quest for supremacy.
