Source – Crash.net
A New Zealander will compete in a Red Bull or RB vehicle next season, according to Marko.
In a riveting twist in the world of Formula 1, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko, has made a bold declaration about Liam Lawson’s future. According to Marko, Lawson is set to secure a driving seat with Red Bull for the 2025 season, either with the main Red Bull Racing team or its sister squad, RB.
Lawson, a standout talent who last raced full-time in Super Formula in 2023, has been serving as a reserve driver this season. Despite speculation that he might be promoted earlier—potentially into a full-time role at the Dutch Grand Prix—Red Bull has chosen to keep its current lineup intact. Sergio Perez remains alongside Max Verstappen at the primary Red Bull Racing team, while Daniel Ricciardo continues to race with Yuki Tsunoda at RB.
The pressure is mounting for Lawson. His contract with Red Bull requires that he be given a race seat for 2025, or the team risks losing him to a competitor. While Red Bull can afford to wait until late 2024 to finalize this decision, Marko’s recent comments offer a glimpse into the future. In an interview with the Austrian newspaper Kleine Zeitung, Marko confirmed that a decision will be made by September, asserting that “Liam will definitely be in one of our cars next year.”
As the season unfolds, attention turns to which driver will make way for Lawson. The earlier speculation about Verstappen potentially leaving Red Bull has largely faded. Tsunoda’s place at RB for 2025 is already confirmed, leaving Perez and Ricciardo’s futures uncertain.
Perez’s contract extends through 2025, but his recent performance has been inconsistent. Although he was spared from a mid-season cut due to his earlier season form, his upcoming races at circuits where he has historically excelled, such as Monza and Baku, will be critical. Failure to perform at the expected level in these key races could increase pressure on his position.
Ricciardo’s situation is equally complex. Discussions about potentially moving him into Perez’s seat or replacing him at RB with Lawson were previously considered but have now been put on hold. Ricciardo, who has expressed a strong desire to stay within the Red Bull organization, has shown support for Lawson’s promotion. “Performance is my best friend,” Ricciardo commented. “If I do what I know I can do, it puts me in a very good position to stay somewhere in the family for next year.”
Ricciardo also praised Lawson’s abilities, noting that he considers Lawson deserving of a seat on the grid. “If he is guaranteed a seat next year, then I think that’s good because he is a deserving driver,” Ricciardo added. His comments highlight the respect he has for Lawson’s talent and suggest that significant changes could be on the horizon.
With Red Bull’s internal dynamics and contractual obligations in play, the coming months will be crucial. The decision about Lawson’s future will not only shape his career but also influence the driver lineup at Red Bull Racing and RB. As the 2025 season approaches, the uncertainty surrounding Perez and Ricciardo’s positions will continue to generate buzz and speculation in the F1 world.
