RB claims Liam Lawson number one contender ‘if there is a seat’ for 2025

Liam Lawson would be the ideal candidate for RB if the Italian team decides to replace Daniel Ricciardo.

RB claims Liam Lawson number one contender ‘if there is a seat’ for 2025

Liam Lawson and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

RB has had a rollercoaster of a start to the 2024 season with multiple good performances from Yuki Tsunoda. However, Daniel Ricciardo has failed to match his Japanese teammate at the Italian team. Hence, multiple people have started talking about the Aussie’s replacement for the coming season. Amidst this, Peter Bayer claimed that Liam Lawson is one of the top contenders for the potentially empty seat.

Liam Lawson‘s short but impressive debut during the 2023 season has enabled him to be considered for replacing Daniel Ricciardo. Speaking on the matter, Peter Bayer reckoned that it was still too early to discuss contingencies at RB. According to the Austrian CEO, everything depended on how the global market shifted in Formula 1. However, according to Bayer if there was a ‘big change’ in the drivers’ lineup at RB, Lawson would have the big vote from everyone.

It's very early days, It depends a bit on how the global market is developing. If there is change in our team, there's a big likely vote for Liam to be the one.
Peter Bayer told speedcafe.com.
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The RB CEO reiterated that all the discussions were happening too early. Bayer reckoned that people were unaware of the proceedings within Red Bull. The Austrian reflected on the fact that Lawson was just the reserve driver at RB and Red Bull. However, regardless of the 22-year-old’s current job, he will continue to be the top contender for the potentially empty seat at RB if there is a vacancy that is.

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Honestly, it's too early, You don't know how things are going at Red Bull. Potentially could happen this year, I guess. But he's out reserve driver, we clearly said that he is out number one candidate for a seat, if there is a seat.
Peter Bayer noted.

Laurent Mekies claims Liam Lawson is already at a ‘high level’

Multiple people believed Liam Lawson to replace Daniel Ricciardo for the 2024 season. However, for some reason, RB decided to finalize Ricciardo until the end of the 2024 season. Regardless, speaking on Liam Lawson, Laurent Mekies reckoned that it was great to have a driver of ‘high level’ lined up for RB for next year. Hence, the situation further motivated the RB crew to work towards performing well.

It’s great to have the next guy lining up who you know is already at a high level, It’s motivation to all of us.
Laurent Mekies said, as reported by Formula1.com.
Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda
Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda (Via IMAGO)

The RB team principal subsequently pointed toward the great drivers’ lineup in the three drivers for the team. The three ‘incredible’ drivers further showcased the crew’s seriousness regarding the project. Hence, the Red Bull sister team will try to score more better results in the coming season, especially from Daniel Ricciardo. 

It’s motivation to all of us. It’s like when you add talent into the team, you hire the best people you can and it gives value to people you have already. It is the same for Daniel, Yuki and Liam. The fact is, we have three incredibly talented drivers and it shows how serious we are about the project.
Laurent Mekies concluded.

Liam Lawson will continue to eye down at the seat which could be his to grab. The 22-year-old currently will focus on his reserve driver role at RB and Red Bull in case he has to make a short appearance like 2023. As things are, Ricciardo continues to have the support of the Faenza-based team for the time being. However, things could change in the coming months.

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