Sergio Perez’s dream with Red Bull has come to an inevitable end after a disastrous 2024 season, in which the veteran driver was overshadowed by Max Verstappen’s dominance and cost the team the coveted Constructors’ Championship. With Liam Lawson stepping into the spotlight, questions arise: is Red Bull setting itself up for success or flirting with failure?
The Fall of Perez: From Promising Beginning to Painful Exit
The numbers tell a brutal story. Max Verstappenthe tireless Dutchman, clinched his fourth F1 Drivers’ Championship in 2024 with an incredible 437 pointswhile Sergio Perez got only 152 pointsmost of which came in the first six races of the season. The performance gap ultimately cost Red Bull the Constructors’ title and sealed Perez’s fate.
McLaren’s previous chief mechanic Marc Priestley He didn’t mince his words:
“The only surprise in the Sergio Perez situation is that it took so long to make a decision.”
Priestley believes the delay in getting rid of Perez highlights Red Bull’s internal struggles. “Red Bull never had a natural successor for Sergio’s seat. If they had, it would have gone away much sooner,” he added.
A Failed Experiment: Ricciardo’s Mistake
It could be argued that Red Bull has pinned its hopes on Daniel Ricciardo as Perez’s successor. But that plan crumbled spectacularly following Ricciardo’s disappointing return in 2023, worsened by a hand injury after a crash during the Dutch Grand Prix weekend.
Red Bull persevered with Ricciardo until 2024, but his performances did not justify their faith. The substitute Liam Lawsonwho impressed during his temporary stint, had already shown that he was ready to shake things up. Yet, Red Bull held on to Ricciardo—a decision Priestley called “inexplicable” given his lack of speed.
Lawson’s Great Redemption: A Risky Bet on the Future
Now, with Perez out and Lawson promoted, the young New Zealander has been handed a golden opportunity. But Priestley warns that Red Bull’s choice could be short-sighted:
“Bringing Liam Lawson as second driver could prove to be rather short-sighted, as Verstappen could be elsewhere in 2026.”
While Lawson has shown potential, some, including Priestley, argue that he has not demonstrated the electrifying talent that Red Bull typically requires.
“When Max Verstappen came into F1, he made people sit on the edge of their seats. I don’t think the same can be said for Lawson or Yuki Tsunoda,” he said.
Red Bull’s Patience Paradox
Red Bull’s treatment of drivers has been thick ruthlessly inconsistent. They fired without hesitation those who didn’t perform as well Pierre Gasly e Nyck de Vrieswhile they showed considerable indulgence towards Ricciardo, Perez and even Yuki Tsunodawhose performances have been inconsistent at best.
How they approach Lawson’s development will be key. As the 22-year-old sits in one of the most coveted—and pressure-filled—spots in F1, he must contend with Verstappen, a teammate known for destroying careers. Perez is just the latest victim in Verstappen’s growing collection of scalps.
The Double-edged Sword of Being Max’s Teammate
Being Verstappen’s partner at Red Bull is both a privilege and a danger. The team’s relentless pursuit of success means the spotlight will shine brightly on Lawson, but Verstappen’s shadow will also be present.
Lawson’s immediate challenge is clear: compete with Verstappen to secure his place in the team. However, with Verstappen’s unstoppable dominance, even a strong performance may not be enough to avoid being labeled a mere number two.
“It’s a double-edged sword,” Priestley explained. “Lawson has the opportunity of a lifetime, but he’s up against the best driver of this generation. It’s a question of float or sink.”
Red Bull’s gamble: will it pay off?
Red Bull’s decision to replace Perez with Lawson is a bold move, but whether it will ensure their future success remains to be seen. With Verstappen’s long-term plans uncertain and the team’s history of ruthless decisions, Lawson enters a high-stakes environment where performance is the only currency.
As time passes, one thing is clear: the battle for Red Bull’s future has only just begun.
