Red Bull now have major doubt over key Liam Lawson attribute that could block RB promotion

Follow us on Google Discover

RB driver Liam Lawson has made his mark on Formula 1 after returning to the grid for the final six races of the 2024 season.

Liam Lawson already has four points to his name and has had some fantastic battles along the way that have put him on the radar of some of the sport’s biggest names.

Fernando Alonso and Lawson went toe-to-toe during his first Sprint Race and the two-time world champion wasn’t shy in letting him know he was there in the qualifying session that followed.

Lawson then clashed with Sergio Perez in Mexico City, swearing at the Red Bull driver from the cockpit of his RB as he passed him on the main straight.

Perez and Lawson battled again in Brazil and the pair may be tussling so much due to the nature of their current positions within both teams.

Red Bull decided to bring Lawson back into F1 in place of Daniel Ricciardo to assess his suitability for next season and whether he was ready for a full-time seat.

Three races in that’s already clear, but now the discussion is whether he should stay at RB alongside Yuki Tsunoda, or replace Perez at Red Bull.

Lawson is doing a good job convincing Red Bull behind the scenes, however, a report from The Race has shared one aspect of his driving that has left them wanting more so far.

Although Tsunoda was reportedly a candidate for a Red Bull promotion as well, that no longer appears to be the case because of Lawson’s efforts.

The Kiwi still needs to improve his qualifying performances otherwise he could end up suffering the same fate as Perez.

Liam Lawson needs to improve his qualifying performances for Red Bull promotion

Franco Colapinto is a name that’s also been linked with Red Bull, but promoting Lawson would be a much more straightforward decision given he’s already contracted to the team.

However, Red Bull have ‘one doubt’ about Lawson and that’s whether he’s quick enough in qualifying to match Verstappen regularly.

READ MORE: Who is Visa Cash App RB driver Liam Lawson? Everything you need to know

Despite this Red Bull have been impressed with Lawson, not just with his performances on the track, but also his demeanour in the pit lane and with the media.

Lawson is now said to be the ‘leading choice’ to replace Perez should he be moved on, which would mean Colapinto slotting in at RB if his Williams asking price is met.

It may all come down to the final three Grand Prix of the season, although Lawson has yet to race in F1 in Las Vegas or Abu Dhabi.

Sergio Perez’s Red Bull contract stance as Liam Lawson threat looms

Red Bull signed Perez up to a new deal at the Canadian Grand Prix that runs until the end of the 2025 season with the option to extend for an additional year.

He was offered the deal in the hopes it would relieve some of the pressure he was under and allow him to concentrate on his racing but hasn’t had the desired impact.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Visa Cash App RB F1 Team from team principal to Red Bull relationship

Damon Hill believes Perez’s contract is watertight after a conversation with the 34-year-old’s manager.

However, Red Bull will be carefully studying Perez’s deal and assessing whether the Mexican could be about to enter his final triple-header as one of their drivers.

Lawson’s move to Red Bull would be straightforward in that case, but the next three races will likely be pivotal to making Christian Horner and Helmut Marko’s minds up.