Home/F1

via Imago

via Imago

After going through two relatively poor seasons by their lofty standard, Mercedes was hinting that they had understood the underlying problem with its car and fixed it for 2024. But as the Brackley squad was getting ready for a comeback season, Lewis Hamilton pulled the rug from underneath them, announcing that he’ll be leaving for Ferrari in 2025. The team finds itself in the hunt to secure a worthy replacement to fill the massive gap Lewis will leave behind. And while Mercedes has the luxury of being able to attract top drivers, Former Ferrari boss, Peter Windsor believes that they should poach Liam Lawson from Red Bull.

Liam Lawson has been part of the Red Bull Junior Team since 2019. After securing 3rd place in Formula 2 in 2022, he was given the reserve driver role at Red Bull Racing in 2023. However, lady luck was on his side as Daniel Ricciardo got injured in a practice session before the Dutch Grand Prix and Lawson got his big break in Formula 1, albeit only as a replacement for the Aussie at AlphaTauri (now Visa Cash App RB). However, he grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

Peter Windsor thinks Toto Wolff should consider Liam Lawson to replace Hamilton in 2025

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Lawson’s debut in F1 was a bit shaky. Despite starting 20th on the grid and facing a 10-second penalty for a pitlane incident, Lawson went on to finish in 13th place in the Dutch GP in horrible racing conditions. In his second outing in Italy, Lawson qualified 12th and finished 11th, which was a remarkable effort considering his rookie status. However, it was the Singapore GP where he truly shined. He not only knocked out Max Verstappen from Q2 on Saturday, but he also finished the race in 9th, scoring his first-ever points in F1.

What was even more impressive is that he beat Yuki Tsunoda in 2 out of the 3 races in which both drivers crossed the finish line, casting serious doubts on Tsunoda’s seat for 2024. However, AlphaTauri decided to stick with the pairing of Ricciardo and Tsunoda, leaving Liam Lawson without a drive for 2024.

On a recent live chat on his YouTube channel, Windsor was asked about Lawson’s future. He responded, “I do think he will be seen in something very soon and I really rate Liam Lawson [highly] and I’d love to see him in Formula 1 sooner rather than later. I know we’ve had him already, very impressed with him and I’m sure Red Bull are as well. So, if you were Toto, you might think about Liam as well… you might, you probably wouldn’t because he’s [with] Red Bull. But he’s definitely good enough to be in a Formula 1 car doing a great job.”

Watch This Story | Daniel Ricciardo’s billion-dollar F1 dream in jeopardy

Regardless of the fact if Toto Wolff wants Liam Lawson or not, Red Bull will not be willing to let go of one of its finest young talents.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Lawson might get a drive for Racing Bulls in 2025

The current situation at Red Bull is quite unique. With Sergio Perez‘s contract expiring at the end of 2024, Daniel Ricciardo has his eye on that seat if Checo fails to meet the expectations in 2024. If that happens and the honey badger looks in his prime form, there’s little doubt that Red Bull will continue with Checo. And thus Liam Lawson might get Ricciardo’s seat at RB.

However, even if Checo could hang on to his seat for 2025, Red Bull might have to let go of one of the drivers at RB, depending on who beats who. If Ricciardo is beaten by Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull might replace the Aussie with Lawson. On the flip side, this will be Tsunoda’s fourth season with the team and if he is beaten by Ricciardo (which is highly likely) Red Bull surely won’t keep him for a 5th season with Lawson on the sidelines.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

READ MORE: Who’s the Stunning Lady Alongside Daniel Ricciardo at the Visa Cash App RB Team Livery Launch?

Regardless of how the 2024 season turns out for Checo, Ricciardo, and Tsunod. Liam Lawson’s chances to get a drive in 2025 are really high. What are your thoughts on the matter?