Janice R. Andrews
Liam Lawson’s prospects of securing a Red Bull Racing seat for the 2025 Formula 1 season have significantly improved as the team distances itself from Franco Colapinto. Despite initial interest in Colapinto, a string of costly on-track errors has diminished his chances, positioning Lawson as the favorite to step into the demanding role alongside Max Verstappen.
Perez Faces Uncertain Future Post-Abu Dhabi
Sergio Perez, under contract until 2024, has failed to meet Red Bull’s high expectations, leading to speculation that he could be replaced after the Abu Dhabi season finale. A key shareholder meeting the day after the race is expected to determine the fate of Red Bull’s second seat, a position that has proven challenging to fill since Daniel Ricciardo’s departure in 2018.
Perez’s inconsistent performances have exacerbated Red Bull’s struggle to find a reliable partner for Verstappen, with the team’s leadership now prioritizing stability and results for the future.
Colapinto’s Initial Promise Fades
Franco Colapinto initially appeared to be a strong contender for the seat. The young Argentine impressed the paddock with his debut as a mid-season replacement for Logan Sargeant at Williams. His speed and confidence under pressure aligned with Red Bull’s aggressive racing ethos, making him an intriguing option.
However, a series of crashes, including a high-impact incident during Las Vegas qualifying, have cast doubt on his readiness for F1’s top tier. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko confirmed Colapinto has dropped significantly in the team’s considerations, citing his lack of experience as a key concern.
Commercial Appeal Not Enough
One potential advantage of hiring Colapinto was the sponsorship backing he could bring from Argentina, mitigating the loss of Perez’s Mexican sponsorship. However, with Perez’s struggles contributing to Red Bull’s slip in the Constructors’ Championship standings, the team’s priority has shifted toward maximizing on-track performance. This recalibration has further reduced Colapinto’s chances.
Lawson Emerges as Frontrunner
Liam Lawson has stepped into the spotlight as the leading candidate for the seat. While he may not yet have proven himself as a consistent race winner, Lawson’s reliability and technical feedback are assets Red Bull highly values. These traits make him an ideal partner for Verstappen, helping the team sustain its competitive edge.
Lawson’s steady progression, including a mature approach as a reserve driver following his stint filling in for Daniel Ricciardo last season, has solidified his reputation within Red Bull. His teammate Yuki Tsunoda, though quick and backed by Honda, still faces doubts regarding his consistency and temperament, leaving Lawson as the preferred option.
Future Talent in the Red Bull Pipeline
While Lawson leads the race for the immediate opening, Red Bull continues to invest in its long-term talent. Formula 2 frontrunner Isack Hadjar is making a strong case for his future in Formula 1, with significant testing opportunities lined up in Abu Dhabi. Hadjar’s performance during these sessions will help determine his readiness for a potential 2025 debut.
Additionally, the team is monitoring Arvid Lindblad, who will step up to F2 next season after a standout rookie campaign in F3. These young drivers represent Red Bull’s commitment to cultivating talent within its system, ensuring a steady flow of potential stars.
Red Bull’s Strategic Shift
Red Bull’s decision to pivot back to its internal talent pool highlights its focus on minimizing risks. While the team has occasionally recruited drivers from outside its program, such moves are only considered when the benefits clearly outweigh the challenges. Colapinto’s errors ultimately made Lawson the safer and more reliable choice.
The team’s priority is clear: find a driver who can consistently deliver results alongside Verstappen, reducing the pressure on the Dutch champion and aiding in car development. Lawson’s skill set and approach align perfectly with these goals.
Red Bull’s Long-Term Vision
The search for a reliable second driver underscores the difficulty of sustaining dominance in Formula 1. The role alongside Verstappen has become one of the most scrutinized positions in the sport, demanding a balance of speed, consistency, and resilience.
By backing Lawson, Red Bull hopes to stabilize its lineup while laying the foundation for future success. The team’s robust driver development program ensures it remains well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the ever-evolving F1 landscape.
What’s Next?
In the weeks ahead, Red Bull will finalize its plans for the 2025 season. With Perez’s tenure in question and Lawson on the brink of a career-defining opportunity, the team faces a pivotal decision. Whether Lawson can rise to the challenge and thrive alongside Verstappen remains to be seen, but his path to the top has never been clearer.
