Sergio Perez had a dismal 2024 season for Red Bull. The Mexican failed to win failed to win a race and finished 285 points behind his teammate. The massive points gap was why Red Bull failed in their bid to win a third constructors championship in a row.
The reports coming out of Red Bull are that the team is ready to replace Perez. They are looking in-house at the VCARB driver of Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda to fill the second seat. Which of those two drivers will get the nod to replace Checo?
Liam Lawson is the favourite for the Red Bull seat
If reports are to be believed, Liam Lawson is odds on to partner Max Verstappen next season. The Kiwi has shown great resilience and adaptability as both his F1 cameos have been a short notice. In 2023, Lawson jumped into AlphaTauri to replace Daniel Ricciardo after the Aussie injured his wrist. Lawson then replaced Ricciardo after the Singapore GP in 2024.
In 2023, Lawson stood in and performed well after having no racing experience in F1. The 22-year-old came a showed a turn of pace, finishing higher than his more experienced teammate Yuki Tsunoda in every grand prix. He also scored a brilliant ninth place in Singapore.
The 2024 season saw Lawson compete in more races with a more competitive car. Although Tsunoda scored more points than Lawson, The Japanese driver was only around a tenth quicker in qualifying during the six race weekends. Lawson has certainly shown a turn of pace.
However, Lawson is inexperienced. He has just eleven grand prix under his belt. Red Bull has to weigh up whether this is a gamble they are willing to take. Red Bull has promoted drivers too early before which almost cost Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon their careers.
Yuki Tsunoda hopeful of replacing Sergio Perez
Yuki Tsunoda is the more experienced driver having raced in F1 for four years now. The Japanese driver had just had his most successful year, finishing twelfth in the standings. The 24-year-old’s driving is more consistent and thinks the “chances are 50-50” of getting picked to be the second Red Bull driver.
However, the Red Bull bosses have reservations about Tsunoda, not about his speed but his mentality. To partner Max Verstappen, you need a strong mentality, but the Japanese driver has many outbursts and tantrums on the team radio.
Not being promoted might leave Tsunoda frustrated and leave the Red Bull family altogether. Tsunoda is backed by Honda who are leaving Red Bull and joining Aston Martin at the end of 2025. If Yuki is not promoted, he will likely follow Honda and look to join the green team.
