The Formula 1 season is coming to a close, but Sergio Perez's future seems more uncertain than ever. The Mexican driver, currently eighth in the drivers' championship and last among the drivers of the top four teams, is going through a crucial moment in his career. His recent performances, well below expectations, have fueled speculation about his possible replacement. In the meantime, youngster Liam Lawson, who made his return to the track in Austin as a replacement for Daniel Ricciardo, immediately impressed with a solid performance, putting further pressure on Perez.
Lawson impresses on his return
Having competed in just one race this season, Lawson has already made headlines with his ninth place finish in the United States Grand Prix. Starting from last place due to a penalty for changing his Power Unit, the New Zealander showed off his speed and ability to recover, finishing in the points. A performance that did not go unnoticed by Helmut Marko, Red Bull's super consultant, who expressed words of appreciation for the young driver, reinforcing the possibility of his promotion to the main team for 2025.
Lawson, in fact, could be the ideal candidate to partner Max Verstappen next season, especially if Perez fails to improve his performances in the final races of the championship. The New Zealander has already shown that he has the talent and determination needed to compete at the highest level, and the Red Bull team could decide to focus on him for the future.
Perez in the balance: the clause that puts everything into question
Despite a contract that runs until 2026, Perez’s seat could be in jeopardy due to a clause that provides for the possibility of termination if the Mexican accumulates more than 100 points of detachment from Verstappen. Currently, Perez is already over that threshold, and his inconsistent performances, combined with the difficulties of the RB20, are putting his future at the team at risk.
Furthermore, Helmut Marko's statements only fuel doubts about Perez's future. The Red Bull executive has repeatedly expressed his desire to focus on a young and promising driver to partner Verstappen, and Lawson seems to be the perfect candidate for this role.
Colapinto ready for Visa Cash App RB?
If Lawson is promoted to Red Bull, Visa Cash App RB would find themselves with a seat available for 2025. The name that seems to be emerging for this position is Franco Colapinto. The young Argentine, currently with Williams, has impressed everyone since replacing Logan Sargeant. With five points from four races and brilliant strategic management, Colapinto he has shown that he has all the credentials to make the leap in quality.
As reported by the journalist Joe Saward In his blog, Red Bull is already closely monitoring Colapinto as a possible replacement for Lawson at Visa Cash App RB, should the New Zealander be promoted. With the Williams line-up already set for 2025 with Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon, there would be no room for the Argentine, which could push him towards a move to the Red Bull family.
An uncertain future for Perez
The Mexican Grand Prix, Sergio Perez’s home race, could be a defining moment for the driver’s future. With Red Bull increasingly looking to stick with Lawson and Colapinto for the future, Perez will have to prove he is still capable of competing at the highest level. However, if his performances fail to improve, Red Bull could decide to end his chapter early and pave the way for a new generation of drivers.
