Liam Lawson impressed the entire F1 field with his mid-season debut last season. However, his strong performances in the AT03 were not enough to earn a full-time seat – with RB instead electing to retain Tsunoda and Ricciardo. Generally speaking, the expectation in F1 circles has been that Lawson will eventually find his way to the grid. That said, the Faenza-based team makes no guarantees about the 22-year-old’s future.
In theory, there is a strong chance that an opening presents itself for Lawson. Every driver at Red Bull – aside from Max Verstappen – is on an expiring agreement. Therefore, there should be every possibility that this year’s contractual shuffle falls the Kiwi’s way.
However, there are no certainties for 2025. Yuki Tsunoda is driving very well this season, building upon a series of increasingly competitive campaigns. Whilst Red Bull has reservations about promoting him to the main team, there is no plausible reason to move him away from RB.
Meanwhile, Daniel Ricciardo – though not enjoying a brilliant 2024 – has plenty of credit in the bank. Red Bull still believes the Australian is capable of finding his best form.
This is reflected by the general sentiment of RB team principal Laurent Mekies, who was pleased with Ricciardo’s progress in Shanghai.
With this in mind, Liam Lawson is still waiting for a gap to emerge. Whilst Sergio Perez does enough in the RB20 to stay in the mix, the two seats at Faenza could stay unchanged.
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – MARCH 07: Liam Lawson of New Zealand and Visa Cash App RB looks on in the Paddock prior to practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at Jeddah Corniche Circuit on March 07, 2024 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202403070278 // Usage for editorial use only //
Liam Lawson receives no guarantees
Peter Bayer, CEO of the Italian outfit, spoke candidly about the likelihood of Lawson securing a 2025 seat:
“It’s very early days. It depends a bit on how the global market is developing,” he told Speedcafe.
“If there is a change in our time, there’s a bit likely vote for Liam to be the one.
“Honestly, it’s too early. You don’t know how things are going at Red Bull.
“Potentially could happen this year, I guess. But he’s our reserve driver. We clearly said that he is our number one candidate for a seat – if there is a seat.”
As ever, only time will tell how RB’s driver lineup evolves. At a team notorious for somewhat unpredictable decisions and knee-jerk reactions, Lawson might have an opportunity.
Equally, this means the path ahead is relatively clouded for the 22-year-old. Several variables, many beyond his control, will influence his position in F1 moving forward.
