Liam Lawson has once again made a significant mark in his Formula 1 career with a stellar performance at the United States Grand Prix in Austin. Starting from 19th on the grid, the young Kiwi managed to finish in an impressive P2, earning crucial points for the Red Bull-backed team in their Constructors’ Championship battle against Haas. This performance has further intensified the conversation about who will partner with Max Verstappen at Red Bull in 2025, especially with Sergio Perez’s recent struggles.
The race in Austin was a critical moment for Lawson, who had previously shown his potential during his brief stint with the team in 2023. This time, his drive was even more remarkable, as he navigated through the field, demonstrating mature and calculated overtakes that earned him widespread praise. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, known for his keen eye for emerging talent, was full of compliments for Lawson’s drive, stating that the 22-year-old showed control and poise reminiscent of a seasoned driver. Marko’s admiration wasn’t surprising; he has been an advocate for giving young drivers a chance, and Lawson’s performance was a prime example of why.
However, this remarkable drive has brought more questions than answers for Red Bull’s 2025 driver lineup. With Perez once again finishing behind rivals, including George Russell, who started from the pit lane, and enduring another race in no man’s land, the Mexican driver is now under immense pressure. While Perez has denied rumors of an imminent retirement, particularly ahead of his home race in Mexico, his underwhelming performances have put his seat under scrutiny.
Red Bull has been clear that the team needs two strong-performing drivers, especially with Ferrari closing the gap in the Constructors’ Championship. The team’s principal, Christian Horner, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Lawson’s race in Austin showcased exactly what Red Bull expects—a driver who can perform under pressure, execute flawless overtakes, and extract the best from the car. Horner’s praise has added to the speculation that Lawson could be a contender for the coveted Red Bull seat next season.
Perez’s struggles were particularly glaring in Austin, where Verstappen managed to hold off rivals and secure third place, while Perez failed to replicate the same resilience, finishing a distant P7. This has led to questions about Perez’s future, especially with Red Bull needing consistent performances to fend off a resurgent Ferrari team, which claimed victory in Austin and is now only eight points behind in the Constructors’ standings.
Liam Lawson’s impressive race comes at a time when there is growing competition within the Red Bull camp. Yuki Tsunoda, another contender for the 2025 seat, has also been showing his skills, supported by Honda’s insistence on giving him a chance in the senior team before their partnership with Red Bull concludes. Tsunoda has demonstrated flashes of brilliance, but his inconsistency, highlighted by a spin and a heated outburst during the Austin race, raises questions about his readiness for the top seat.
Helmut Marko, who had previously expressed confidence in Tsunoda, now finds himself in a dilemma, having to choose between two promising talents. While Honda’s departure from Red Bull might complicate Tsunoda’s path, the Japanese automaker has made it clear that they will continue to support him, even as they begin a new partnership with Aston Martin. According to Honda’s sporting director, Koji Watanabe, they have had discussions with Red Bull about ensuring Tsunoda gets a fair chance to showcase his abilities, which suggests that the 2025 lineup battle is far from over.
For Lawson, the opportunity to drive for Red Bull is a dream he has pursued since he joined their junior program. Despite the challenges of securing a seat, Lawson has kept his focus on improving his performances, acknowledging that competing directly with Tsunoda is a realistic goal. Reflecting on his Austin race, Lawson expressed satisfaction, stating that he didn’t expect to score points, especially after starting from the back. His strategic approach, particularly in tire management, allowed him to execute key overtakes, keeping him in contention throughout the race.
Red Bull’s situation is delicate, with the team needing to make a strategic decision that will impact their competitiveness against top rivals like Ferrari and Mercedes. While Perez’s experience has been valuable, his inconsistent results have opened the door for a potential successor. Lawson’s performance, marked by a mature and calm approach, has undoubtedly given Red Bull’s management more to consider as they prepare for the 2025 season.
The stakes are high, and the battle for the Red Bull seat has only just begun. With Tsunoda backed by Honda and Lawson gaining momentum after Austin, the next few races will be crucial for both drivers. Red Bull’s decision will hinge not only on performance but also on who can consistently support Verstappen in the fight for championships.
Lawson’s surprising yet commendable drive in Austin has proved that his 2023 run was not a fluke but rather a testament to his hard work and dedication. As the season progresses, it remains to be seen if he can maintain this form and edge closer to what could be the opportunity of a lifetime.
