Liam Lawson has voiced his readiness to partner with Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing in 2025 if the opportunity arises.
As Lawson currently races alongside Yuki Tsunoda at Red Bull's junior team RB, some observers suggest this lineup is a testing ground for the main seat, which Sergio Perez currently holds but is reportedly struggling to retain.
Supporting this view, Jos Verstappen has spoken publicly about Lawson's potential. "I think Lawson is doing very well," Max's father shared with Viaplay. "It seems only logical to me that he is ready for the step up."
"Let him finish the season and gain confidence," Verstappen Sr. added. "After that, the team has to decide what they want to do next year. But I'm certainly not against it," he noted, supporting the idea of Lawson joining his son at Red Bull. "It's better if someone is driving who is competitive and pushes Max forward a bit. That always helps."
While some speculate Perez, 34, could be replaced before the season concludes, team advisor Dr Helmut Marko has clarified that Perez will race through to Abu Dhabi.
"Nothing will happen until the last race in Abu Dhabi," Marko told Auto Bild. "Perez wants to keep fighting and get back on track in the last three races of the season. The situation will be assessed again after Abu Dhabi."
Perez's contract for 2025, however, presents obstacles. Many new Red Bull sponsors for next season are reportedly tied to the Mexican driver. Additionally, Christian Horner is said to have removed termination clauses from Perez's deal, making it binding through 2025. According to F1-insider.com, buying out Perez's contract could cost Red Bull millions commercially, on top of a $20 million driver release fee.
Horner has also shown interest in Franco Colapinto, though this option would entail additional costs – notably, another $20 million release fee to Williams for the Argentine rookie's contract.
Meanwhile, Perez remains assured of his 2025 place at Red Bull, saying he carefully weighed his options before extending his contract earlier this year. "I had one opportunity, two opportunities, to change teams," he told GQ. "When I had it, I thought 'I really love the challenge I have at Red Bull.' It's a challenge that basically prepares you for anything."
Should the team decide on Lawson for the 2025 season, the 22-year-old New Zealander is confident in his readiness for the main seat.
"I would feel ready," Lawson told the New Zealand Herald. "That's what I've been trying to show in my performance for the last couple of races. But that decision comes from the team, from Christian and Helmut. I would feel ready for that, but regardless of whether I'm being looked at by Red Bull or not, I'm just focused on performing anyway to stay in the sport."
