The Red Bull team is currently in a slump. The biggest reason for its underperformance has been technical woes. However, Sergio Perez’s lack of form is another huge concern. Therefore, despite his contract extension till next season, the team is looking for a replacement. Meanwhile, the new VCARB driver, Liam Lawson, could be a potential candidate to partner up with Max Verstappen.
Red Bull chief Christian Horner has hinted towards Lawson’s RB promotion. On a recent F1 Nation Podcast, HornerHorner opened up about the future RB options and revealed something about Daniel Riciardo’s career.
Christian Horner Discusses Checo’s Replacement Options As Lawson Emerges as Front Runner
Liam Lawson, who made five appearances last season, will compete in the remaining six rounds of Formula 1 to replace the released Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull. This opportunity allows the New Zealander to prove himself and demonstrate that he deserves a spot alongside Yuki Tsunoda at Red Bull’s sister team in 2025. If Lawson can excel during the rest of the season, he may position himself as a viable candidate to step up to the main Red Bull team, mainly as doubts surround Sergio Perez’s long-term future in the second seat. Although Perez’s contract extends through 2026, his ongoing struggles have raised questions about his performance.
Christian Horner indicated that while Ricciardo could not secure his position, the decision to bring in Lawson is part of a broader strategy to assess the team’s driver lineup. Horner explained that with six races remaining, this is an ideal opportunity to evaluate Lawson alongside Tsunoda and see how he performs in the upcoming Grands Prix.
Horner emphasized that this evaluation is not limited to Lawson but encompasses the overall future of Red Bull Racing. The team must remain open to exploring other options while there is a contract with Perez for the next year. This includes considering whether Lawson could be the next driver to step up or if the team needs to look outside their current lineup. Horner also mentioned the potential of other junior drivers, such as Isack Hadjar or Arvid Lindblad, who might emerge as strong candidates in the future.
Daniel Ricciardo’s F1 Career Not At Its End Yet?
Christian Horner has conveyed that the ideal scenario for Red Bull is for Sergio Perez to regain the form that allowed him to secure four podium finishes in the first five races of the season. However, if Perez’s struggles continue and Liam Lawson does not prove to be the solution, Horner hinted that Daniel Ricciardo could still be a consideration for the team. Horner noted that if Perez finds his rhythm and returns to the shape he was in earlier this year, the current situation would remain unchanged. However, he emphasized that in Formula 1, two weeks can feel like a long time regarding performance and decision-making.
Horner has clarified that the team wants Ricciardo to stay involved in an ambassadorial role, but the future remains uncertain. He acknowledged that the team knows Ricciardo’s capabilities if Lawson and Perez fail to deliver.
Reflecting on Ricciardo’s career, Horner highlighted the many memorable moments he has experienced, including the infamous occasion of drinking champagne from his sweaty boot. Despite the unusual nature of that moment, Ricciardo embraced it and shared incredible experiences with his fans and teammates.