Liam Lawson one step closer to being released as free agent from Red Bull with rumored interest from Audi

Red Bull reserve driver Liam Lawson would soon be free to negotiate with teams apart from Milton Keynes for a future in F1.

Liam Lawson one step closer to being released as free agent from Red Bull with rumored interest from Audi

Liam Lawson, Audi F1 show car(via IMAGO)

Liam Lawson, currently serving as a reserve driver for Red Bull, was rumored to replace Sergio Perez due to the latter’s poor performance. However, Red Bull chose not to replace Checo with Lawson after the Belgian GP. As the summer break began, the 22-year-old could soon be free to negotiate with other teams or wait for a chance from Red Bull, which seems unlikely at the moment. Audi’s Sauber F1 team could be interested in signing Lawson.

As Formula 1 entered into Summer break the driver market also opened its door with the first news of Carlos Sainz joining Williams. It is also an opportunity for Liam Lawson to negotiate with any of the team for driving their car in 2025. As per reports, if the New Zealander doesn’t sign a contract by September 1 that would ensure he will be a Formula 1 driver for 2025. He will be released as a free agent from Red Bull. However, if he decides to stay within the team he will have to wait until they give him a chance.

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Liam Lawson was being considered by Audi for 2026, they were interested in signing him if they couldn’t catch the eye of Carlos Sainz. The German team principal Andreas Seidl’s first choice was always Lawson. However, he recently exited the team with Mattia Binotto taking the reigns. Nevertheless, the Kiwi driver could find himself racing for the Hinwil-based squad next year.

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Ex-F1 driver criticizes Audi’s decision of hiring Mattia Binotto

Johnny Herbert expressed his surprise at the decision to remove Andreas Seidl from his role at Audi. Seidl had been highly regarded for his work on developing Audi’s Formula 1 program in preparation for 2026. His reputation was strong, and many expected him to continue playing a key role in Audi’s future plans. However, it seems Audi has shifted its focus and strategy, leading to this significant change in leadership. Audi hired Former Ferrari’s team boss Mattia Binotto as their Chief Operating and Technical Officer to lead the team further. Later they also announced Red Bull’s Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley as their team principal for 2025. Therefore, Herbert reckoned this decision was unexpected by the German manufacturer because they were improving significantly under leadership of Seidl.

johnny herbert
Johnny Herbert
I was pretty surprised that Andreas Seidl had been pushed aside with regard to the speed and development of Audi ahead of 2026. His reputation was high. But there has obviously been a shift in emphasis at Audi.
Johnny Herbert said, as reported by topoffshoressportsbook.com

Certainly, Johnny Herbert thought Audi should’ve reconsidered their decision of altering the workforce. Although Mattia Binotto’s experience would also be effective, he didn’t do much at Ferrari. Hence, the Brit thought Seidl should’ve not been removed.

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