Is Liam Lawson Already in Trouble at Red Bull?

image
Is Liam Lawson Already in Trouble at Red Bull? - Image for illustration purposes only
03-24-2025topgear
The speculation surrounding Liam Lawson's future at Red Bull is intensifying, even though he has only participated in two races. While he has yet to escape Q1 or score any points, dismissing him now would be an unprecedented move for the team.

The Challenge of Racing Against Verstappen

- Limited Experience: Lawson has just 11 races under his belt, facing off against Max Verstappen—one of F1's greatest talents.
- Tricky Car: Verstappen himself has indicated that the car can be challenging to handle.
- Need for Patience: Lawson deserves more time to find his footing in such a competitive environment.

The Long Road to F1

- Junior Career: Lawson has spent significant time in the junior ranks, and now it’s time to test his skills at the top level of motorsport.
- Strong Start in 2025: With a P5 qualifying in Australia and a sixth-place finish in China, he has shown promise that shouldn’t be overlooked.

The Second Seat Dilemma

Red Bull's second seat has a reputation for being perilous, having claimed talented drivers like Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and Sergio Perez—individuals who either weren't ready or were overwhelmed by the responsibilities that came with the position.

A Need for Experience

What Red Bull truly needs is an experienced, race-winning driver:
- Bottas as a Candidate: Valtteri Bottas, recently released from Sauber, could provide the necessary experience as a 10-time Grand Prix winner.

Out-of-the-Box Solutions

- Regarding Verstappen: This could be an opportunity for Red Bull to rethink their approach. Perhaps they should consider applying to the FIA for double points for Verstappen, provided he curbs his colorful language. This might even make the team more attractive to environmental sponsors!

Reflecting on Red Bull's Challenges

Sergio Perez, a seasoned driver, has shown potential but now finds himself without a seat. Red Bull is at a crossroads, struggling to find the right teammate for Verstappen.

Final Thoughts

- Helmut Marko’s Role: Marko often critiques junior drivers’ performances. Maybe it’s time for him to step into the driver's seat and lead by example.

Summary

Liam Lawson's position at Red Bull feels precarious despite his limited experience and recent achievements. With the pressure of competing against champions and the team's history of rotating drivers, Red Bull may need to reconsider their strategy or bring in an experienced candidate like Valtteri Bottas to stabilize the second seat.

What Others Are Saying...

No comments yet