Red Bull’s lineup for the 2025 season remains a mystery amid rumours that Sergio Perez could be facing the axe after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
It would come as no surprise as the Mexican has underperformed for most of the year, achiving just 20% of Red Bull’s total points haul compared to Max Verstappen.
In the last four Grands Prix, Perez has either failed to finish or DNF’d in three which has effectively put an end to Red Bull’s Constructors’ Championship defence.
Christian Horner has said Perez must ‘come to his own conclusions’ amid mounting pressure, while Red Bull has also said internally the Mexican must achieve a ‘stunning’ feat to cling on to his seat.
There are several candidates that could potentially replace Perez at Red Bull, however, Jolyon Palmer thinks Liam Lawson has shown the mark of a top driver in recent races when writing in his F1.com column.
Jolyon Palmer says Liam Lawson has ‘spiky character’ that can make him great Red Bull driver
Lawson has been involved in a few on track spats since he took over from Daniel Ricciardo, notably getting into a heated battle with Fernando Alonso.
Alonso was seen having words with Lawson after the US GP Sprint race, and later vowed to get revenge on the New Zealander. Alonso’s payback eventually backfired on Lawson, but his card was marked.
Lawson would later get into a tussle with Perez during the Mexican GP, being seen giving him the finger as he passed him down the start/finish straight. Palmer thinks this is all the kind of steely character traits needed to succeed at the high level in F1.
“Liam has been waiting in the wings for the best part of two years now, but when called upon to deliver, he has shown he has F1 ability,” said Palmer.
“The Kiwi has also shown he has the spiky character that can be the mark of great drivers and this bullishness is something Red Bull often appreciate.”
Sergio Perez faces judgement day on Red Bull future
Perez’s place at Red Bull is likely to come to an end after the Abu Dhabi GP considering the amount of attention and pressure he is getting to leave the team.
Red Bull might find it hard to sack Perez having signed a contract earlier this year for 2025, which reportedly no longer contains performance clauses in his contract.
Verstappen has no doubt outclassed him this year and with next year’s car likely to be an evolution, Perez is unlikely to improve his form any more.
It will be a difficult decision for both parties, but could see Lawson finally earn a promotion within Red Bull having impressed on his five-race debut last year.
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