The atmosphere within Red Bull has become even more tense after Max Verstappen made strong statements about Liam Lawson and his performance in Formula 1. The three-time world champion made it clear that, in his opinion, the New Zealand driver is not ready to compete in the main team and that Sergio “Checo” Pérez remains the best option to join him at the Austrian team.

Verstappen doesn’t hold back: “Lawson is not up to it”

In a recent interview, Max Verstappen was asked about Liam Lawson’s chances of landing a seat at Red Bull in the near future. The Dutchman’s response was straightforward:

“Liam is a good driver, but he hasn’t yet reached the level required by Red Bull. There’s a big difference between excelling at AlphaTauri and performing within the main team. The pressure, race pace and consistency are completely different.”

These statements caused a stir among fans and the press, especially since Liam Lawson was considered by many to be a serious candidate to replace Checo Pérez in 2025. However, with Verstappen making his views clear, it appears the New Zealand driver’s future with the main team is further away than expected.

Checo Perez remains the best option

As well as ruling out Lawson’s chances, Verstappen praised Sergio Perez’s work at Red Bull, assuring that his teammate remains key to the team’s success:

Checo has shown that he can win races, score important points, and work as a team. People are very hard on him, but few understand how difficult it is to drive this car and remain competitive every weekend.

Verstappen’s words reinforce Red Bull’s position to keep Checo Pérez at the team, at least until the end of 2024, when his contract expires. Although the Mexican has had his ups and downs in his performances, he remains a pillar of the team’s strategy to win the constructors’ championship.

What will happen to Lawson?

With Verstappen’s announcement, the chances of Liam Lawson replacing Checo in 2025 appear to have diminished considerably. Everything indicates that the New Zealander will have to continue to demonstrate his talent at AlphaTauri (or Visa Cash App RB) before applying for a seat at Red Bull.

For now, the Verstappen-Pérez duo remains the team’s best combination. But in Formula 1, everything can change in a matter of months. Can Lawson surprise Verstappen and change his mind? Or will another driver take his place in the fight for a seat at Red Bull?