Ex-F1 driver claims Red Bull would be ‘crazy’ not to promote Liam Lawson alongside Max Verstappen for 2025
Christijan Albers believes Liam Lawson will join Max Verstappen at Red Bull next season because of Sergio Perez's recent struggles.
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Liam Lawson and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)
Liam Lawson is among the contenders to drive alongside Max Verstappen at the main Red Bull team. Recently, VCARB replaced Daniel Ricciardo with Lawson due to the former’s underperformance. This opened the door for the 22-year-old, who had been on the sidelines for a year.
Speculation suggests that the Kiwi driver could soon get his chance in the main team. However, such opportunities come with conditions set by Red Bull consultant Helmut Marko.
Marko is focused on finding the right teammate for Verstappen. He previously stated that Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda will compete for the seat in the main Red Bull team. Sergio Perez, who currently drives for Red Bull and signed a contract extension until 2025, but he has struggled lately, failing to reach the podium in 14 races.
Former F1 driver Christijan Albers believes Lawson will definitely be in the RB21 next season alongside Max Verstappen. Albers argued that Red Bull would be crazy to keep Checo given his performance, especially since they risk losing the constructors’ championship because of him.
Then I look at a guy like Lawson, who is hungry, and I just know for sure that he will drive next to Max next year. If that doesn’t happen, then I’ll declare everyone at Red Bull crazy.
Christijan Albers told De Telegraaf
FIA steward Johnny Herbert suggested that Red Bull might sack Sergio Perez after the Mexico GP, which could be his last chance to shine in front of his home crowd. While Albers thinks that Checo can still improve, he would have preferred to give the Kiwi driver a chance in place of the Mexican.
There are still five races to go, and sometimes it can happen that a driver snaps. But, if it were up to me, it is certain.
Christijan Albers added
Christijan Albers believes the next five races will be crucial for Liam Lawson
Christijan Albers emphasized that frequent crashes and mistakes by Liam Lawson in the next five races will raise doubts about his abilities. Such performances could jeopardize a possible future with Red Bull.
However, the Kiwi driver has shown promising signs in his first outing of 2024. He had to start the US GP from P19 due to an engine penalty but managed to climb 10 positions and finish ninth, earning his team some valuable points.
Look, if he now crashes the car into everything and does idiotic things for five races, then I still see doubt. But if you look at how he is performing now as an underdog, then I think that is very good.
Christijan Albers explained
The New Zealander even outperformed his teammate Yuki Tsunoda, who was often seen as stronger for regularly outpacing Daniel Ricciardo. Despite starting in a better position, Tsunoda faced challenges during the race and finished in 14th place.
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Gaurang Kadam
(535 Articles Published)