Liam Lawson’s return to Formula 1 may have felt like an audition to the watching world, and his points-scoring drive at the United States Grand Prix did nothing to dispel that narrative. Starting from the back of the grid, Lawson not only finished ninth but demonstrated the kind of raw pace and composure that Red Bull Racing might find difficult to ignore when deciding their 2025 driver lineup. With Sergio Perez under scrutiny and a clear opportunity on the horizon, Lawson is now making his case for one of the most coveted seats in the sport.
Perez, on the other hand, had a challenging weekend—hampered by being in an older-spec RB20 while teammate Max Verstappen benefited from floor upgrades. Christian Horner, Red Bull team principal, has made it clear that Perez is expected to step up, especially with McLaren and Ferrari closing the gap in the Constructors’ Championship. However, regardless of Perez’s struggles, Lawson’s stellar performance means the young Kiwi might just be writing his own story for the future.
Lawson’s Brilliant Comeback Amid High Stakes
After a year out of the spotlight, Lawson’s return was underpinned by an air of determination. His weekend began with an intense Mugello tire test in the Red Bull RB20, where he completed a hefty 116 laps. This preparation was key as he tackled the notoriously tricky Circuit of the Americas for the first time. Despite having limited track time, Lawson logged more laps than anyone else in practice, impressing Red Bull’s team principal Laurent Mekies, who noted Lawson was “on the right pace straight away.”
Lawson’s sprint race weekend was not without its hurdles. A grid penalty had relegated him to the back row, but Lawson was determined to shine despite the setbacks. He tussled with seasoned drivers like Fernando Alonso and managed to hold his ground, even earning a few enemies along the way. His spirited defense against Alonso, while controversial, showcased his grit and ability to withstand pressure—qualities Red Bull values highly in their drivers.
A Crucial Display in Qualifying
The real breakthrough came during Q1. While Lawson knew his qualifying position wouldn’t matter due to his grid penalty, he used the session to send a message. His lap, which was the third-fastest of the session, left Red Bull scratching their heads and wondering how much untapped potential Lawson had yet to show. His 1m33.339s lap was the fastest set by any Red Bull driver that weekend—faster than both Verstappen and Perez.
While Lawson didn’t have the opportunity to continue his qualifying form in Q2, as he was tasked with helping Yuki Tsunoda with a tow, he had already made his point. His one-lap pace was there, and it was a tantalizing glimpse of what he could deliver given more opportunities.
A Composed Race and Consistent Pace
Lawson’s race was a masterclass in how to maximize opportunities. Starting from the back of the grid, he expertly navigated his way through the chaos of the opening laps, avoiding major incidents and making crucial overtakes. Perhaps most importantly, he outpaced teammate Tsunoda in the second half of his first stint, despite being on older hard tires. This consistency over a long run was an indicator that Lawson wasn’t just fast in qualifying—he had the race pace to back it up.
His ninth-place finish wasn’t just a testament to his skill but also to his racecraft. The difference between ninth and tenth was determined by a smart move on Franco Colapinto, a pass that highlighted Lawson’s race intelligence.
Pressure Mounts on Perez
As Lawson delivered, Perez’s struggles became more pronounced. Starting from the second row, Perez was expected to deliver a strong result, but seventh place in the grand prix and no points in the sprint left much to be desired. With Red Bull focused on maintaining their dominance, Perez’s inability to capitalize on opportunities has placed him under immense pressure.
There are already whispers that Perez might not receive Red Bull’s latest upgrade package for his home race in Mexico. Horner has confirmed that they are still learning about the new floor, but Perez’s exclusion would be telling.
The Road Ahead for Lawson, Perez, and Tsunoda
Lawson has five more races to prove that he belongs in Formula 1 full-time, and if his performance in Austin is anything to go by, he is well on his way to earning a permanent seat. Tsunoda, meanwhile, appears to be secure at RB, but his role as a yardstick for Lawson is becoming more evident with each passing race.
The battle for the Red Bull seat in 2025 is heating up, and Lawson’s determined drive in Austin may have just tipped the scales in his favor.
