As Sergio Perez navigates a turbulent season with Red Bull, speculation grows around his potential replacement. Former F1 driver Anthony Davidson has sparked interest by suggesting Liam Lawson, a “phenomenal” talent, might be the ideal candidate to step into Perez’s shoes.
Lawson has been on the radar for a while, especially after a standout performance last year when he filled in for Daniel Ricciardo during the latter’s injury hiatus at Zandvoort. Despite Ricciardo’s return to full fitness, Lawson remains a frontrunner for the Red Bull seat, primarily due to Perez’s ongoing struggles.
Anthony Davidson, speaking on Sky F1, highlighted Lawson’s impressive ability to handle pressure, underscoring his potential to challenge current Red Bull drivers. Lawson didn’t just hold his own against Yuki Tsunoda; he exceeded expectations by outperforming Max Verstappen in Singapore qualifying. Such feats have kept Lawson in the conversation as a worthy contender for a full-time spot in Formula 1.
Peter Bayer from VCARB added to the intrigue by noting that Perez’s future rests in the hands of Helmut Marko and Christian Horner. Bayer acknowledged the sports dynamic nature, suggesting every challenge also presents an opportunity, echoing sentiments that an underperforming Perez could create room for Lawson.
Lawson’s recent experience in the Red Bull car further cemented his status as a strong candidate. He described driving the Red Bull vehicle as an exhilarating experience, praising its forgiving yet sharp nature, demanding a driver who truly masters the machine. It’s this adaptability and skill set that could make Lawson the perfect fit for the high-pressure environment at Red Bull.
With Red Bull poised to make a critical decision during the summer break, the motorsport community eagerly anticipates whether they will give the nod to Lawson. His proven track record under challenging conditions makes him a compelling choice to boost the team’s performance.
