Sergio Perez’s 2024 Formula 1 season has gone from promising to perilous. With Red Bull tumbling down the Constructors’ Championship and Perez’s performance faltering, calls for change are mounting—and leading the charge is none other than Jos Verstappen, who’s suggested the Mexican’s time in the cockpit may be up.
After a dismal showing since April’s Chinese Grand Prix, Perez has slipped from his comfortable second-place spot in the standings to a distant eighth, now a daunting 39 points behind Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton. His season has been marred by sluggish qualifying laps, unforced errors, and costly crashes, forcing Red Bull to rely solely on Max Verstappen’s dominance to stay competitive. Red Bull, once a towering force, now sits third in the Constructors’ standings, watching helplessly as their title grip loosens.
In an interview with Viaplay, Jos Verstappen didn’t mince words. He called for Red Bull to take drastic action by replacing Perez with Liam Lawson for the remaining races of 2024. “He’s doing very well, I think he’s ready to step up,” Verstappen remarked. “Let’s let him finish this season and gain confidence, and then the team can decide what to do for next year.”
“Lawson in the Wings: The Rising Star Ready to Shine”
If Red Bull decides to heed Jos Verstappen’s advice, Liam Lawson appears poised for the seat. The young New Zealander impressed the team with his performances after stepping in following the Singapore GP, where Daniel Ricciardo’s stint with Red Bull abruptly ended. Lawson has quickly proven his mettle, battling Yuki Tsunoda and scoring valuable points at both the United States and Brazilian GPs. He even went wheel-to-wheel with Perez at the Mexico GP, showcasing a raw, competitive edge that Red Bull seems keen to harness.
While Lawson is Red Bull’s current favorite to partner Max Verstappen in 2025, other potential replacements linger in the paddock. Yuki Tsunoda, a formidable competitor who has already outperformed both Nyck de Vries and Ricciardo, remains on Red Bull’s radar, especially with recent test runs that hint at the team’s interest.
“Alternatives in the Mix: Colapinto and Bottas Could Reshape Red Bull’s Strategy”
Franco Colapinto and veteran Valtteri Bottas are also intriguing options for Red Bull. Colapinto has turned heads since his unexpected debut with Williams at the Italian GP, where he replaced Logan Sargeant. His two points-scoring finishes and consistently strong racecraft have made him a dark horse contender. Meanwhile, Bottas, recently released from Sauber, offers experience and stability—traits Red Bull may value alongside Verstappen. Known for his teamwork and reliability, Bottas could be an ideal teammate for Verstappen, providing a safe pair of hands without posing a serious challenge to Red Bull’s reigning champion.
“Red Bull’s Crossroads: Will They Make the Call?”
With Perez’s struggles piling up, Red Bull faces a crucial decision that could reshape their 2025 lineup. Jos Verstappen’s call to put Lawson in the car for the season’s final stretch signals the urgency of the situation. Whether Red Bull opts for a fresh start with Lawson, a dark-horse newcomer like Colapinto, or a seasoned hand in Bottas, the clock is ticking, and the spotlight is on the team to make their next move.