The end of Sergio Perez’s adventure in Red Bull now seems written. Confirming what so far was only a mix of rumors and indiscretions was the journalist Julien Febreau of Canal+, who announced that the Milton Keynes team had already chosen the Mexican’s replacement: Liam Lawson will sit next to Max Verstappen in the next season. The official announcement, according to rumors, is expected in the next few days.
The Perez chapter is closed
Sergio Perez’s season ended with disappointments and difficulties, also due to the lack of competitiveness of the RB20. Despite this, Verstappen took home the drivers’ championship, while Perez, in addition to not having won a single race, had a collapse in performance that made it impossible to defend his position. Rumors of his replacement have been circulating for months, especially after the renewal, but now the die has been cast.
Liam Lawson according to Canal+, would have convinced Red Bull to opt for a change of plan. Febreau said: “We can confirm that Sergio Perez will no longer drive for the Red Bull team next year. The decision has been made and will be announced by the end of the week. His replacement will be Liam Lawson.”
For the young New Zealander, who ended 2024 at the wheel of Racing Bulls replacing Daniel Ricciardo, an enormous challenge lies ahead: taking up the legacy of an expert driver like Perez and competing alongside three-time world champion Max Verstappen. A double challenge therefore. Given that over the years that second seat has passed to various drivers, who then failed to prove they could hold a candle to Max.
Tsunoda and the missed opportunity
Among the contenders for the Red Bull seat was also Yuki Tsunoda, who had the opportunity to show off himself in the Abu Dhabi tests. However, the decision now seems to have been made, leaving the Japanese to face a still uncertain future in Racing Bulls.
The official announcement will put an end to months of speculation and open a new chapter for Red Bull. Lawson’s choice represents a generational change that looks to the future, but also a calculated risk for a team that cannot afford any more missteps.
