The fight for a coveted seat at Red Bull Racing has intensified as young driver Liam Lawson emerges as a serious contender to replace Sergio Perez, whose future with the team remains uncertain beyond 2025. Despite Red Bull’s current dominance in the sport, there are growing concerns about maintaining a solid driver lineup for the future, as the team faces potential shakeups that could alter its trajectory.

Liam Lawson, who impressed fans with a series of commendable performances during his stint with AlphaTauri (rebranded as Racing Bulls), is now under immense pressure to showcase his talent across a limited number of races in 2024. As the season draws to a close, Lawson’s ability to outperform teammate Yuki Tsunoda will play a crucial role in Red Bull’s decision-making process for their 2025 lineup. Helmut Marko, the team advisor, has already hinted at a potential shakeup, with Perez’s contract possibly ending sooner than expected, and has reignited talks of introducing a younger driver alongside Max Verstappen.

Lawson’s achievements, including his point-scoring debut in Singapore, indicate a bright future, yet he still needs to prove that he can consistently deliver under pressure. The Kiwi driver has shown resilience, but the upcoming races will be a defining period for him to outshine Tsunoda, who, despite his volatility on the radio, has also earned a reputation for outpacing teammates like Pierre Gasly, Nyck de Vries, and even Daniel Ricciardo.

Red Bull’s complex situation extends beyond their junior team, with speculation about a potential retirement from Verstappen after 2026 adding to the uncertainty. Although the three-time world champion has not made any definitive announcements, the team is now contemplating scenarios where they may need to prepare for a post-Verstappen era. This makes the selection of Perez’s successor even more critical, as the new driver could be groomed to lead the team.

The internal dynamics at Red Bull indicate a head-to-head battle between Lawson and Tsunoda for the seat. Marko and Red Bull principal Christian Horner have both emphasized that the remaining races of 2024 will be pivotal in evaluating which of the two drivers is more suitable for a future promotion. Tsunoda, backed by Honda, remains a contractual option for Red Bull, but his sometimes erratic behavior and self-admitted struggle to provide accurate technical feedback have raised concerns about his suitability for the main team.

Adding to the drama, Red Bull’s performances have recently faltered, particularly affecting Racing Bulls. The technical issues have meant that both Lawson and Tsunoda have had to battle not only each other but also an unpredictable car. This raises the stakes for the young drivers, as the quality of machinery they receive will significantly impact their chances of showcasing their skills effectively.

Amid all this, there have been external names linked to the Red Bull seat, including Mercedes driver George Russell, whose contract situation remains under watchful eyes. However, Red Bull’s philosophy of promoting from within has seen them groom drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo, a tradition they seem keen to continue. Hence, the focus remains on Lawson, Tsunoda, and other academy drivers who could step up, like Isack Hadjar and Arvid Lindblad.

For Lawson, these last six races of 2024 are a do-or-die scenario. His ability to score points, even when starting at a disadvantage (such as a grid penalty in Austin), will be a testament to his resilience and racing prowess. Meanwhile, Red Bull’s long-term planning suggests they are looking for a driver who can grow into a leadership role, should Verstappen decide to step away from the sport.

The stakes have never been higher for Lawson, Tsunoda, and Red Bull. For now, fans are eagerly awaiting to see if Lawson can prove himself as Red Bull’s next big star, ready to step into Perez’s shoes, or if the more experienced Tsunoda can finally secure his place in the top team. The intense battle between these two promising drivers could very well shape the future of Red Bull Racing for years to come.