Red Bull has finally decided to end their partnership with Sergio Perez after a difficult season for the Mexican.
In the hours after the announcement, Red Bull confirmed that Liam Lawson will be partnering Max Verstappen in what is set to be a tough job for the 22-year-old.
Lawson has only 11 starts with Visa Cash App RB, after being drafted in to replace the injured Daniel Ricciardo in 2023 for five races then doing another six after replacing the Australian permanently this year.
Perez’s exit was always on the cards after a spate of poor results, but it was never certain who would replace the Mexican in the top team. Lawson was touted alongside Yuki Tsunoda, but both Christian Horner and Helmut Marko had a difference of opinion about the Japanese driver.
Now they have announced their lineup, fans have taken to social media to voice their opinions on Red Bull’s decision.
Fans tell Christian Horner that he’s made the wrong decision
Horner took to his Instagram page to welcome Lawson to the team, justifying the decision by saying his performances have “demonstrated that he’s not only capable of delivering strong results but that he’s also a real racer, not afraid to mix it with the best and come out on top.”
Tsunoda has started in 70 more Grands Prix than Lawson and has beat every teammate he’s been up against in the last two seasons, including Nyck de Vries, Daniel Ricciardo and Lawson.
One fan commented on Horner’s Instagram post: “It’s getting harder and harder to defend the team with the choices being made.”
Another pointed to the like button for the comment section and remarked: “Yuki robbed button” while one offered condolences “Poor Yuki.”
A lot of fans are unhappy that Tsunoda has been snubbed for the seat, with two users agreeing that the Japanese driver should have got the seat: “Should’ve been Yuki” while another said “In my opinion, Yuki should’ve gotten that seat.”
Other fans believe Lawson will find it tough to go up against Verstappen: “Max will eat him, mark my words” while another said “I’ll give him 10 races.”
Liam Lawson must learn from previous Red Bull driver mistakes
It is the fifth time that Red Bull has promoted a driver to the top team with less than 30 starts to their name.
Both Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel were promoted after a brief stint at Toro Rosso and went on to win the world championship with the team.
READ MORE: Who is Red Bull Racing F1 driver Liam Lawson? Everything you need to know
Alex Albon detailed why Verstappen is such a hard competitor to go up against in the same team, with him effectively developing a driving style that is hard to replicate.
Lawson will need to ensure that he does not make the same mistake as his predecessors, although his mental resilience could be something that could enable him to fight against Verstappen.
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