Former F1 team boss names ‘real deal’ driver to replace Perez
Recent statements by former F1 team bosses have stirred speculation about who could potentially replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull Racing, with Liam Lawson emerging as a favored candidate. Eddie Jordan, former team principal, has voiced strong support for Lawson, describing him as the “real deal” and suggesting he would be a better fit for the competitive environment alongside Max Verstappen. Jordan believes that Lawson has shown maturity and skill, particularly during his temporary role filling in for Daniel Ricciardo at AlphaTauri, where he not only scored points but also demonstrated his potential to handle the pressure and demands of a top-tier car like Red Bull’s.
Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s senior advisor, also mentioned Lawson as the top internal candidate to replace Perez if Red Bull opts for a change. He emphasized that the team’s strategy aligns with promoting talent from within their pool of junior drivers, which includes Lawson, Ayumu Iwasa, and Isack Hadjar. However, Lawson stands out due to his consistent performances and adaptability, which have impressed Red Bull’s management.
Sergio Perez has faced significant pressure this season, with several underwhelming performances and a growing gap in points compared to Verstappen. Perez’s recent contract extension includes performance-based clauses, which could make a mid-season or end-of-season replacement feasible if Red Bull decides to part ways with him. Former drivers and team executives suggest that Perez’s inconsistencies may jeopardize Red Bull’s standing in the Constructors’ Championship, with competitors like McLaren closing the gap.
Lawson’s potential promotion to Red Bull Racing would align with Red Bull’s commitment to developing young talent within their system. Additionally, some experts, including former F1 drivers like Christijan Albers, argue that Lawson’s rookie status could be advantageous, allowing him to learn from Verstappen without posing a direct threat, while still contributing to the team’s competitive edge. This positioning could make Lawson an ideal candidate for Red Bull, which prioritizes internal growth and stability in its driver lineup.