In the aftermath of the Abu Dhabi GP, Liam Lawson’s name was frequently mentioned as a potential replacement for Sergio Pérez. The New Zealander was even rumored to be the frontrunner for a promotion to Red Bull. However, a week after the season finale, the team management has yet to make any announcements. Will Pérez’s contract be bought out in favor of Lawson, or does Red Bull have other plans?
During the race weekend in Abu Dhabi, Liam Lawson was asked about his future within the Red Bull family. After all, the 22-year-old driver does not yet have a contract for 2025. Teammate Yuki Tsunoda has been secured for some time, but because Lawson was only called up during the GP in Austin, his future remains uncertain. “I don’t know what the plan is,” he responded to the media present. “Obviously, I want to race in Formula 1 next year, but I don’t know where that will be.”
‘We’ll See’
The Red Bull team management was expected to meet after the Abu Dhabi GP to discuss future staffing. Lawson hopes that these meetings will yield news soon. “I hope a decision will be made in the coming days,” he admitted. “I hope they don’t keep me waiting too long. We’ll see.” After the race weekend, Lawson participated in the so-called post-season test on behalf of Visa RB, while teammate Yuki Tsunoda stepped in for Red Bull. It remains unclear who among the two is preferred by the Red Bull top brass. Reportedly, opinions within the team management are divided.
‘Christian Horner and Helmut Marko Divided Over Yuki Tsunoda’
“I think you can see how important it is to have two drivers who consistently and collectively score in the constructors’ championship,” Red Bull team boss Christian Horner responded after the Abu Dhabi GP. “Ferrari will be strong next year with their new line-up, and McLaren already has two strong drivers. Therefore, it’s crucial for us that both our drivers fulfill their promises and that no significant gap emerges.” Sergio Pérez has significantly failed in this regard in 2024 – the Mexican finished with 152 points in eighth place in the championship, while Max Verstappen won the title with 437 points.
