How Liam Lawson has ‘hugely’ impressed senior Red Bull staff amid doubts over Sergio Perez’s future

Follow us on Google Discover

After rising to prominence midway through the 2023 Formula 1 season, Liam Lawson is back in the headlines once again.

Liam Lawson replaced Daniel Ricciardo at very short notice at the Dutch Grand Prix and went on a five-race run with AlphaTauri that was so impressive that many wondered if it would earn him a seat on the grid this year.

Instead, he was told he would be the reserve and test driver for Red Bull and Visa Cash App RB for this campaign, however, Lawson had a clause inserted in his contract guaranteeing him a seat in 2025.

However, there’s now a chance that Lawson might be on the grid sooner than expected.

Sergio Perez endured another tough weekend at Silverstone and once again failed to score points for Red Bull.

A mistake in qualifying preceded a disappointing strategy and a 17^th-place finish, two laps behind the leaders and his teammate Max Verstappen who secured an unlikely podium to extend Red Bull’s lead in the Constructors’ Championship.

A report from Motorsport.com has shared how Lawson is already beginning to impress senior management at Red Bull.

Christian Horner has addressed a filming day Lawson is taking part in this week in the RB20.

And while he didn’t suggest it was a test to see if he should be replacing Perez in the upcoming weeks, it feels awfully familiar to the way Ricciardo replaced Nyck de Vries last year.

READ MORE: Who is Red Bull reserve driver Liam Lawson? Everything you need to know

Senior Red Bull management already impressed with Liam Lawson

Sergio Perez is coming under increasing pressure as he continues to underperform.

Red Bull could drop Perez in the summer break due to clauses in his contract despite only signing a new deal a few weeks ago.

Despite Yuki Tsunoda’s strong form this season and Christian Horner’s positive relationship with Daniel Ricciardo, neither driver appears to be the ideal candidate to step up and replace Perez if he does get dropped in the summer break.

Instead, Lawson may be Perez’s chosen replacement and he’d have to get to grips with the tricky to drive RB20 quickly to prove that the team had made the right choice bringing in a driver with just two career F1 points to his name.

However, the report from Motosport has shared why Red Bull are already very impressed with Lawson.

They think the 22-year-old Kiwi has the right mindset and approach to the job to be a success with the team.

It’s why they’re so keen to keep hold of him, rather than let him walk away for nothing in a few months when his contract expires.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Red Bull Racing from engine to Ford links

Liam Lawson on Audi’s radar if Red Bull don’t offer him 2025 seat

While it’s not the main reason why Red Bull are considering replacing Perez with Lawson, the team are aware that other manufacturers are watching him closely.

Audi are fans of Lawson and would like to place him alongside Nico Hulkenberg as their tortured search for a second driver continues.

Red Bull have reportedly said no to letting Lawson leave and instead, Audi were offered Isack Hadjar who is currently leading the Formula 2 championship.

He’ll also be watching closely at what’s going on in the two senior F1 teams, especially as if he wins F2 this year, he’ll need to find a new series for 2025.

Red Bull are cursed with having too many drivers at their disposal but no one is currently standing out to race alongside Verstappen.

Lawson might be just a few weeks away from having his mindset and approach to his job put to the test against a triple-world champion.