In a daring move, New Zealand’s Liam Lawson has made a bold statement about his ambitions to replace Sergio Pérez at Red Bull and partner alongside Max Verstappen. Speaking with confidence, Lawson declared, “Red Bull will be stronger than McLaren with me in the team,” fueling speculation about his future in Formula 1.
Lawson, currently racing for AlphaTauri in the final six rounds of the 2024 season, is seen as a serious contender to take Pérez’s seat next year. As Red Bull struggles to maintain its dominance in the constructors’ championship, with McLaren surging ahead, Lawson believes he can be the key to the team reclaiming its top position. “I have the pace, the hunger, and the commitment to take Red Bull back to the front,” Lawson boldly stated during an interview.
Red Bull’s team principal, Christian Horner, has not dismissed the idea, noting, “All drivers are under pressure to deliver, and Liam is showing us what he’s capable of. He has a great opportunity to prove himself over these final races.”
Pérez, who has underperformed this season, has found himself under scrutiny, while Lawson is seen as a rising star with the potential to step up. “This is a pivotal moment for Red Bull,” Lawson added. “Max and I together would be unstoppable. We’d not just compete but dominate, and that’s what this team needs.”
As the final races approach, all eyes are on Lawson as he aims to prove that he deserves the seat at one of Formula 1’s top teams. Whether he gets the opportunity to replace Pérez remains to be seen, but the young New Zealander has certainly made his intentions clear.