How Liam Lawson’s RB20 Red Bull simulation times compare to Sergio Perez’s amid promotion talk

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The 2024 Formula 1 title fight between Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen and McLaren star Lando Norris might be all but over, but there are plenty of other exciting talking points happening further down the grid.

The Constructors’ Championship is going to have a thrilling conclusion, with McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull all hoping to come out on top by the time the chequered flag flies in Abu Dhabi.

There’s also the battle to finish 6th in the team standings, with Alpine taking an unexpected leap forward at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix with an incredible double podium.

However, one of the most fascinating battles that is set to take place is between the drivers who currently sit 8th and 20th in the championship.

Sergio Perez and Liam Lawson are set to battle it out for the chance to be Max Verstappen’s teammate next year.

Lawson’s RB teammate Yuki Tsunoda doesn’t appear to be a serious candidate for the role, meaning Perez is battling it out against someone who has raced in 270 fewer Grand Prix than him.

Red Bull will be taking plenty of different factors into account when considering which driver to choose for 2025.

Perez brings a wealth of experience to the role, while his financial contribution to the team through his myriad of sponsors can’t be ignored in the cost cap era.

However, Lawson’s potential has turned heads and his ability to hold off Perez and Lewis Hamilton in treacherous conditions in Brazil won’t have gone unnoticed.

A report from Marca has shared another interesting factor that the team might consider: their performances in the simulator.

How Sergio Perez and Liam Lawson compare in Red Bull’s RB20 simulator

Lawson has tested the RB20 in recent private tests but has not had as much experience in the car as Perez.

This means team principal Christian Horner is trying to judge his performances in an RB with Perez’s in a Red Bull which isn’t easy.

Therefore, the work done in the simulator can give senior personnel the best opportunity to compare each driver.

The report from Marca suggests that Lawson might be ‘further away’ from Verstappen than Perez currently is in the RB20.

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They believe that in the tests done in the simulator, Lawson, Tsunoda and even Daniel Ricciardo could beat Perez’s lap times.

That’s because the car is so difficult to drive that even though Perez is struggling, his additional experience dealing with those problems gives him an advantage over Lawson.

However, if Red Bull can identify and solve those issues with their 2025 car, then suddenly Perez’s advantage over the 22-year-old dissipates.

Liam Lawson’s battles with Sergio Perez in F1 turning heads at Red Bull

Lawson incurred the wrath of Fernando Alonso on his return to F1, but he’s been fighting much more closely with Perez in the past two Grand Prix.

Red Bull enjoyed Lawson’s battle with Alonso and that fighting spirit will be seen as a positive by Horner and Helmut Marko.

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Lawson has apologised to Perez after swearing at him during an intense battle in Mexico City.

However, Max Verstappen’s camp are already a big fan of Lawson and that could prove pivotal if Red Bull do decide to make a change.

Keeping the Dutchman happy has to be the team’s priority and the 22-year-old might already fit the bill.