Marko reveals Perez’s future with Red Bull is uncertain, hinting Lawson could take his seat if form continues in 2025.
Red Bull are clearly considering parting ways with Sergio Perez at the end of the season.
Even before and after the Mexican driver signed a new contract for 2025 and 2026, Perez’s position as Max Verstappen’s teammate has been under a cloud of uncertainty.
That cloud is now darkening, as Liam Lawson, who stepped in for Daniel Ricciardo at RB F1, has ignited a head-to-head battle with Yuki Tsunoda. And he’s already on the pace in Austin!
“Perez has a contract for 2025,” reiterated Dr Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s F1 advisor, during the United States Grand Prix.
“If he performs up to expectations, his place won’t be in doubt. But Formula 1 is a competitive sport, which is why Daniel Ricciardo was also replaced.”
Perez had recently shown signs of improvement – particularly when Verstappen struggled with the less competitive 2024 car. But now that the car has improved, the gap has widened again. Almost a second behind in qualifying yesterday!
“Checo gained a position,” Marko continued after the Austin sprint race. “But it’s not quite what we were expecting.”
“The gap to Max was also significant in terms of lap times. We aren’t blind to that.”
As for Lawson, Marko was more enthusiastic.
“Yuki fought well against the Haas drivers in the Sprint, but in the end, he had no chance because they were much faster on the straights.”
“Liam performed excellently in the practice session. He was on par with Tsunoda, if not faster. He had an issue with track limits, but his performance was outstanding, especially considering it was his first time on this circuit. It’s also the first time he’s been back in the car in a while.”
“And his time in Q1! Wow. So far, it’s been a success.”
Marko added that Lawson’s competitive return to the F1 grid “once again shows the importance of giving young drivers a chance.”
“If he keeps this up, he’ll be Verstappen’s teammate in 2025.”
- You may also like>Ricciardo’s Silence on Retirement Was His Own Decision, Says Bayer
- Also make sure you follow us on social media>Facebook and>Twitter
Perez’s Seat Under Threat: Lawson Impresses Red Bull’s Marko Perez’s Seat Under Threat: Lawson Impresses Red Bull’s Marko
