Red Bull is set announce its plans for the second RB/VCARB seat after next weekend’s Singapore GP.
Liam Lawson is widely expected to replace Daniel Ricciardo in 2025, and possibly also for the last few races of this season.
It’s understood from sources that “all options” are being considered and will be discussed in Singapore by the Red Bull and RB management before the final announcement is made.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko suggested recently that Lawson will indeed race this season.
However he was more circumspect in Baku, telling formu1a.uno: “Wait until after Singapore, then we can tell you something.”
Red Bull faced a mid-September option deadline with Lawson, who had to have a future F1 race programme in place or be in a position to walk away. That option has now been taken up.
There have been clear signs in recent weeks that momentum is building behind the Kiwi, who took part in five races last year when Ricciardo was injured.
Williams talked to Red Bull about using him as a replacement for Logan Sargeant, but it was made clear that he would be recalled if he was needed.
In addition Lawson was highly regarded by the Sauber/Audi camp, which has now turned its attention elsewhere as it seeks to fill its second seat.
He was also drafted in to gain extra 2025 car mileage by driving for both RBR and RB in a recent Pirelli tyre test.
Ricciardo is obviously seen as major asset by RB’s main sponsors Visa and CashApp, and losing him – especially for one or both of the upcoming US races in Austin and Las Vegas – would be a major blow.
However high level sources have suggested that the commercial aspect would not form part of any driver decision.
Asked by formu1a.uno in Monza if he was confident that he would do all the remaining races Ricciardo insisted that he just had to perform.
“I say yes,” he replied. “But I’ve been in this now long enough – who knows? I’ve seen a lot.
“I will keep kind of making it about me in the sense that if I’m performing, they won’t find a reason to do anything.
“And ultimately, that’s where I’ll leave it. I know if I perform, then I’m good, so if I focus on myself, then it shouldn’t affect me. And that’s what I’m focusing on.”
Meanwhile Sergio Perez’s longer-term future at RBR continues to come up in paddock conversations, and is understood to be part of the bigger picture of the discussions, with Lawson the obvious candidate to eventually replace him.
However his strong performance in Baku helped his cause after a recent bad run.
Along with Lawson Red Bull is also keen to assess F2 star Isack Hadjar, who has the chance to do more FP1 sessions as well as the Abu Dhabi rookie sprint, should it be confirmed.
