Red Bull Racing is currently in the process of evaluating two of its junior drivers, Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson, as potential candidates to replace Sergio Perez for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Following Perez’s announcement of his departure from the team after a difficult 2024 campaign, the team has begun assessing its options for a new second driver alongside Max Verstappen. Team principal Christian Horner has made it clear that no decision has been made yet between the two, both of whom are seen as strong contenders for the seat.
Sergio Perez’s time with Red Bull was marked by several notable achievements, including five race wins, three pole positions, and 29 podium finishes. Over the course of his tenure, he accumulated a total of 932 points, but his 2024 season was far less successful. Despite a promising start to the year, Perez’s performance in the latter half of the season dipped significantly, and he finished eighth in the drivers' championship, trailing Verstappen by 285 points. His inability to consistently challenge Verstappen and help secure Red Bull’s constructor's title in the second half of the season ultimately led to the decision for Perez to leave the team before the start of the 2025 season.
Christian Horner addressed the decision, emphasizing that Red Bull is in the fortunate position of having two strong candidates to consider for Perez’s replacement. “We have all the information that we need. Essentially, it will be a choice between Yuki and Liam. Both have strong credentials,” Horner told Sky Sports. Both Tsunoda and Lawson have shown promise and are well-regarded within Red Bull’s driver development program, which has produced top-tier talents like Verstappen.
Yuki Tsunoda, who has been racing for AlphaTauri (Red Bull’s sister team), has impressed with his consistency and potential, despite the struggles faced by his team. Tsunoda was recently tested by Red Bull during the post-season tyre testing in Abu Dhabi, a session that allowed the team to assess his capabilities in preparation for a potential step up. Tsunoda’s experience with the team, having driven for AlphaTauri since 2021, makes him a familiar face and an option worth considering for the role.
On the other hand, Liam Lawson has also been gaining attention for his performances. The New Zealand driver has had a solid year, contributing to Red Bull’s development and gaining valuable race experience in Formula 1. Lawson participated in six or seven races during 2024, filling in for Perez and showing maturity and adaptability under pressure. His consistent and impressive performances in his appearances have boosted his prospects for a full-time seat with Red Bull in 2025. Horner has praised Lawson’s performances and confirmed that he has been actively involved in testing behind the scenes, which adds to his credentials for the role.
The decision on Perez’s replacement will not be rushed, as Horner and Red Bull’s engineering team continue to assess the best option for the team. “The discussions are ongoing with the engineering team, and we will make a decision soon,” Horner said. The team’s focus is on ensuring that whoever takes the seat alongside Verstappen will be able to perform at the highest level and challenge Verstappen effectively, with Red Bull looking to continue their dominance in Formula 1.
Perez’s performance in the latter part of the 2024 season played a significant role in Red Bull’s struggles. Despite the team winning the constructors’ title, Perez’s disappointing results in the second half of the season – scoring just 49 points in the final 18 races – were a key factor in missing out on securing a more dominant position. For Red Bull, ensuring that they have a strong second driver capable of supporting Verstappen and challenging him when necessary will be crucial heading into the 2025 season, especially with the team facing stiff competition from rivals like Ferrari, Mercedes, and McLaren.
The choice between Tsunoda and Lawson is expected to be one of the most closely watched developments in the off-season. Both drivers are eager for the opportunity, and their performances in the upcoming months will likely be critical in determining who gets the nod. Red Bull Racing, under Horner’s leadership, will be hoping to make the right decision as they continue their pursuit of success in Formula 1 and aim for another dominant season in 2025.
