RB F1 Evaluates Drivers; Lawson in 2025 Frame?

RB F1 plans driver evaluations, with Liam Lawson potentially set for an earlier start and a 2025 role.

RB F1 is set to once again evaluate its drivers post-Singapore, revealed team director Laurent Mekies. It’s not the first instance of such assessments, but it comes amid speculations that Liam Lawson might replace Daniel Ricciardo for the season’s conclusion.

“We periodically conduct performance evaluations of our drivers,” Mekies told Sky. “It’s standard practice. We’ve made it public previously. We did it after the first half of the season, and before the summer break.”

The next evaluation is scheduled for the following week: “We have also publicly stated that we would convene after Singapore. That’s where we currently stand, so no decisions have been made so far.”

Helmut Marko has confirmed that an announcement regarding Ricciardo’s immediate future will follow the Singapore Grand Prix, with six races remaining: “We will announce the decision post the Singapore Grand Prix. There are never any guarantees in Formula 1.”

Bayer confirms deliberations about the season’s end

The rumour mill concerning Ricciardo intensifies with comments from Peter Bayer, CEO of RB F1, who confirms that deliberations for 2025 are underway, but notably for the upcoming races, with the notion of an immediate replacement being considered.

“We’ve had various deadlines and discussions throughout the year,” Bayer stated. “Originally, we decided to contemplate our final decision on the 2025 driver pairings during the summer break. Ultimately, we tried to buy time for both teams.”

“It’s a significant strategic decision to determine who drives where. After Singapore, there will be discussions concerning 2025 as well as other options. There are many options, as RB also has the task of developing young drivers. Right now, it’s about weighing the pros and cons.”

“Under the leadership of Marko and Christian Horner, we must also decide which driver has the greatest potential to one day race for Red Bull. When would this driver ideally join the team, this year or next? The decision will be made in the coming days.”