Guenther Steiner tells Red Bull which driver is now the ‘logical solution’ to replace Sergio Perez in 2025

As the 2024 Formula 1 season heads into its final two races, Red Bull have two completely different moods in their garages.

Max Verstappen became a four-time world champion at the Las Vegas Grand Prix as he beat title rival Lando Norris in the race. While his RB20 lacked the speed to compete with the dominant Mercedes’ and even the Ferraris, the Dutchman did what was required and finished fifth ahead of Norris in sixth.

The 27-year-old is only the sixth driver in F1 history to win four titles. After claiming the championship in Las Vegas, Verstappen says an eighth title is the ‘ultimate goal’ as he looks to beat Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton’s record.

But while Verstappen basks in his fourth consecutive championship win, his teammate Sergio Perez has desperately struggled to reach the same heights. The Mexican is enduring his worst season since he joined Red Bull in 2021.

Perez’s issues have never been more apparent than in the last six races, where he has finished higher than 10th once and has struggled to beat Red Bull’s junior team RB.

The 34-year-old has a contract for 2025 and an option for 2026, but Perez could be replaced before 2025 as clauses in that deal could mean Red Bull will be allowed to let him go after Abu Dhabi.

Guenther Steiner says Liam Lawson is the ‘logical solution’ for Red Bull to replace Sergio Perez with

The Mexican is under immense pressure to keep his seat with Red Bull, and it seems that even more will be mounted on him in the final two races as Christian Horner wants to see Perez higher up the order.

Red Bull are said to be considering their options for 2025, with Liam Lawson being heavily linked with a promotion. Teammate Yuki Tsunoda is also an option for the Milton Keynes-based squad, having spent four seasons with RB.

Franco Colapinto has also caught Red Bull’s attention with his impressive performances at Williams. But his recent accidents in Sao Paulo and Las Vegas may have put a dent in his chances of joining the team in 2025.

For Guenther Steiner, Lawson is now the ‘logical solution; to replace Perez next season. The former Haas boss told Formel1.de: “There are still three races left, then we can see who is the best. Logically if now Colapinto comes back to a performance that that he had in the first races, then he is for sure a candidate.

“But Liam Lawson is in the seat, that would be someone you have built up yourself, who knows Red Bull. He was there long enough and I think for me that would be the logical solution.

“Logically [he] has to deliver good results against Yuki Tsunoda. I would even take Yuki Tsunoda. Yuki Tsunoda has always done a good job and has been a Red Bull driver for years.”

How likely is it that Liam Lawson will land a seat with Red Bull in 2025?

Technically, RB have the final seat to fill for 2025, with Lawson being almost certain to get the nod alongside Tsunoda next year. The Kiwi driver has grabbed four points from his four appearances in 2024 so far, beating Perez in two of those events.

Whether Lawson will drive with Red Bull next season solely depends on the team’s choice to axe Perez. But the 22-year-old will face competition from his teammate for the promotion.

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Tsunoda is well-established in the Red Bull setup and would be arguably worthy of a step up to the main team. However, Red Bull have a ‘fundamental problem’ with Tsunoda as the Japanese driver is backed by Honda, which could deny him the promotion.

If Lawson is chosen to partner Verstappen, there will be a seat vacant at RB. Franco Colapinto would be an expensive signing for Red Bull if they are to tempt him away from Williams.

But the team also have options within their organisation. Lawrence Barretto says RB are likely to sign Isack Hadjar if Lawson is promoted to the main Red Bull team, with the Frenchman currently fighting for the F2 title.