There are high chances of seeing Liam Lawson in F1 soon: Helmut Marko, head of young drivers, has stated that “the Ricciardo plan has failed, we need a young driver.”
On the eve of the Austrian Grand Prix, Helmut Marko once again stirs the spirits of Formula 1 and the market: it seems that Liam Lawson, already a standout in his debut last year, could secure a seat as a full-time driver for 2025, as reported by Kleine Zeitung.
In a season where the Formula 1 driver market is in constant motion, Red Bull’s executives have maintained a calmer approach, unlike last year’s early dismissal of Nyck De Vries. With Sergio Perez’s contract extended until 2026, speculations about his future have been put to rest, solidifying his position in the main team: however, this clearly leaves a question mark over RB, the satellite team of the Milton Keynes family.
In the Racing Bulls team, there are three drivers vying for two seats next season. While Yuki Tsunoda’s contract has recently been renewed due to his excellent performances at the start of 2024, the decision on the second seat is still up in the air between Daniel Ricciardo and reserve and simulator driver Liam Lawson. The veteran Australian is highly regarded by Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, but Helmut Marko seems to have a clear idea about the future of that seat, with the class of 2002 ready to make the definitive leap among the greats.
Helmut Marko’s Words
Marko stated that the team owners want to maintain the philosophy of the “Junior Team” in RB, and therefore it is necessary to act accordingly. “The shareholders have made it clear that it is a junior team, and we need to behave as suggested by them,” Marko explained before the team’s home Grand Prix. Regarding Ricciardo, after missing the promotion to Perez’s seat, his position is uncertain. “The goal was for him to move up to Red Bull Racing after putting in extraordinary performances. Now that seat, however, belongs to Sergio Perez for the next few years, so that plan has gone up in smoke.”.
“We need to put a young driver in our team,” Marko concludes: the impression is that the choice is almost definitive, with Ricciardo being ousted and Lawson in Formula 1 from 2025.
Photo: Visa CashApp RB F1 Team
