Will Liam Lawson Oust Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull for the 2025 F1 Season?
Red Bull Racing's advisor Helmut Marko has recently hinted at a potential shake-up that could see young talent Liam Lawson replacing Daniel Ricciardo for the 2025 Formula 1 season. As the team's shareholders express a strong desire to incorporate younger drivers into their roster, the pressure is mounting on Ricciardo to perform.
Earlier this month, Red Bull confirmed that Yuki Tsunoda would remain with the team for the upcoming season, thereby ensuring that either Ricciardo or Lawson would miss out on a drive. Despite Ricciardo having the current seat, his inconsistent performance has placed him 10 points behind his lesser-known team-mate this season.
Ricciardo's Struggles and Tsunoda's Stability
Ricciardo's difficulties in the 2024 season have made his chances of returning to the senior Red Bull team next to impossible, especially now that Sergio Perez has received a multi-year contract extension. According to Red Bull advisors, while retaining Ricciardo and Tsunoda would be the ideal scenario, shareholders have voiced their preference for giving young talent a chance to shine. Marko told Kleine Zeitung, "The shareholders have made it known that it is a junior team and we have to act accordingly."
For Ricciardo, the stakes are incredibly high. The plan to elevate him back to Red Bull's main roster hinged on exceptional performances, a goal that seems increasingly out of reach with Perez's new deal securing his seat. Marko emphasized, "We have to put a young driver in there soon. That would be Liam Lawson."
Lawson's Rising Star
Liam Lawson has been turning heads with his performances, filling in for Ricciardo during five rounds last season when the Australian was sidelined due to a broken metacarpal from a crash at Zandvoort. The New Zealander has already been linked with a move to Sauber but seems keen to stay within the Red Bull family should the opportunity arise.
Lawson's prospects were further highlighted when he performed admirably in these substitute outings, bringing much-needed vitality and showcasing his skills. Should Red Bull choose not to promote him, he’s likely to seek opportunities elsewhere, possibly aiming for a 2025 entry based on current speculations.
Ricciardo's Last Hope?
Despite the mounting pressure, Ricciardo is not ready to throw in the towel just yet. His recent run to eighth place at the Canadian Grand Prix has bolstered his hopes, showing he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. He stated last weekend, "Canada obviously helps. As I said, I needed a result like that. Obviously, I would like to stay."
Ricciardo has made it clear that he envisions his future within Red Bull, though he is aware that he has to earn his place. "So as I say, now that I’m back in that Red Bull family that’s where… I really don’t see myself anywhere else. So that’s where I’d love to stay and continue," he said. The Australian driver knows the importance of consistently pulling out strong performances, not just for the sake of retention but to prove that he still belongs in Formula 1’s elite.
As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see who ultimately gets the nod. Whether it’s the experienced Ricciardo making a spectacular comeback or the promising Lawson stepping up to the plate, the future of Red Bull Racing will undoubtedly be one worth watching.
