The battle for Red Bull Racing’s second seat alongside Max Verstappen in 2025 has reached a critical juncture, with VCARB CEO Peter Bayer voicing confidence in both Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda as contenders for the role.
With Sergio Perez’s departure imminent, Red Bull faces a pivotal decision: promote one of its two VCARB drivers to the top team or keep both at the developmental squad to continue honing their skills.
Lawson: The Rising Star
Liam Lawson, the 21-year-old prodigy from New Zealand, has been thrust into the spotlight after an impressive string of performances in his limited time in Formula 1. Since taking over as a full-time VCARB driver mid-season, Lawson has showcased composure, adaptability, and raw speed, making him a prime candidate for the promotion despite his relative inexperience.
Lawson’s ability to deliver under pressure has reportedly made him the current frontrunner for Perez’s seat. His mature approach and clean driving style have impressed Red Bull’s top brass, particularly given his ability to match Tsunoda’s pace and consistency within just a few races.
Tsunoda: The Veteran in Waiting
On the other side of the garage, Yuki Tsunoda has quietly enjoyed his best season in Formula 1. The Japanese driver has accounted for 30 of VCARB’s 46 points, helping the team stay competitive in the Constructors’ Championship. Bayer has praised Tsunoda’s growth, highlighting his improved physical and mental preparation.
“He’s made a huge step compared to last year. You can tell that he’s converging toward the pinnacle of what he’s capable of,” Bayer said. “I think he is ready to make a step up to race for Red Bull Racing.”
Tsunoda’s fiery personality and radio outbursts have often defined his public persona, but Bayer insists his emotional control is the only significant hurdle remaining before he can seamlessly transition to a top-tier team.
“Sometimes it’s difficult for him to control his emotions. It’s something he’s working on, but that’s his last tiny fault,” Bayer added.
The Verstappen Factor
Regardless of who earns the promotion, stepping into Red Bull’s second seat means facing the towering presence of Max Verstappen. Known for his exceptional ability to extract the absolute maximum from his car, Verstappen sets a benchmark that is as daunting as it is inspiring.
Bayer acknowledged the challenge of being Verstappen’s teammate, emphasizing the importance of maintaining individual identity and setup preferences rather than trying to mimic the four-time World Champion.
“If you’re not doing that, you’ll miss the target. It’s very tempting as a driver to look at the other garage and say, ‘He’s a second faster. I want the same setup.’ Okay, we give you the same setup… and you’re nowhere,” Bayer warned.
A Tough Call for Red Bull
While Tsunoda’s experience and leadership qualities give him a strong case, Lawson’s raw potential and rapid adaptation to F1 make him equally compelling. Bayer believes both drivers have the talent and mindset to meet the challenge of competing against Verstappen.
“If an opportunity presented itself, I think Yuki and Liam… they’re both up to the challenge,” Bayer concluded.
Red Bull is expected to finalize its 2025 lineup after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with both Lawson and Tsunoda having one last chance to make their case. Whoever gets the nod will face one of motorsport’s toughest challenges—measuring up against Verstappen in identical machinery.