F1 News
Red Bull face a tough choice: Perez, Lawson or perhaps Colapinto?
- Ludo van Denderen
Since making his Formula 1 comeback, Liam Lawson has completed one Grand Prix, and in it, the New Zealander immediately showed why Red Bull sees him as a candidate to become Max Verstappen's teammate next season. Despite starting from last place, Lawson scored points with a P9 finish. Sergio Perez in Red Bull Racing's car finished 'only' two places ahead of him.
In short, Lawson could not have given a better calling card. If his results with Visa Cash App RB are similar for the rest of the 2024 season, nobody would be surprised if they promote him to Red Bull for 2025. Or is there a surprise driver on the radar? Franco Colapinto's name is also being mentioned as an addition to the Red Bull family.
Colapinto shows his class
When asked about the Argentine, who has been racing for Williams since the Italian Grand Prix, Christian Horner acknowledged his performance. "I think Franco's turning heads," Horner said. Red Bull would not be Red Bull if they did not keep a close eye on Colapinto's performance, although transferring the junior to the Austrian racing team would not be easy.
His current team, Williams, realises they have potential gold in their hands with Colapinto and will be reluctant to see the driver from their own training leave permanently. Red Bull doesn't want to hire a driver just to help prepare him for a rival team in the future.
Besides, Lawson could just be Red Bull's Colapinto. "I think Liam shone equally as brightly as some of Franco's earlier races as well," Horner said. "At a track he's never been to before, against a quick teammate, to go from the back of the grid to P9, it's a good performance."
Sergio Perez is the driver who has to worry more each week. Although his father believes the Mexican will one day become world champion, it is more realistic to think that Red Bull will make a tough decision about his future at the end of the season.
This article has been created in collaboration with Matt Gretton
Want more Formula 1? Then follow GPblog on our various social media channels!