Jos Verstappen backs Lawson as Perez’s replacement at Red Bull

Liam Lawson’s performances in his first three races with RB this season have put the Kiwi in the frame for a promotion to Red Bull Racing in 2025, a potential move that would be supported by Jos Verstappen.

With points-scoring drives in Austin and in Sao Paulo, Lawson has shown grit, aggression, and a coolness under pressure that has raised speculation about his future.

His display last weekend in Brazil, in treacherous conditions, where he held his own against the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Sergio Perez was particularly impressive.

Lawson’s productive efforts have not gone unnoticed, even catching the eye of Max Verstappen's father, Jos.

“I think Lawson is doing very well,” the former F1 driver told Viaplay.

“It seems logical to me that he is ready to step up. Let him finish this season and build confidence and then the team has to decide what they do for next year.”

• Read also: Herbert hits back at Jos Verstappen: ‘I’ll criticize anyone I want’

Perez difficulties are well chronicled. The Mexican hasn’t stood on a podium since last April’s Chinese Grand Prix and failed to finish among the top ten in Sao Paulo where Verstappen blitzed the field from P17 on the grid to score a resounding victory.

Perez’s shortfall has cost Red Bull dearly in terms of its position in F1’s Constructors’ standings, in which the team currently sits third behind championship leader McLaren and Ferrari.

While the 34-year-old holds a contract with Red Bull for 2025 and seems confident its terms will be honored, there is almost certainly a clause in the fine print that allows the team to part ways if his performance doesn't meet expectations.

Lawson's potential promotion to Red Bull’s senior outfit is a tantalizing prospect, and one that Verstappen Sr. would endorse as the Dutchman believes that a competitive teammate would push his son to even greater heights.

“I certainly don’t oppose that,” he said. “It’s better if there is someone who is competitive and pushes Max forward a bit. That always helps, but we’ll see.”

However, Red Bull has another young prospect in the mix: Franco Colapinto. With five points in six Grands Prix, the Williams rookie has performed impressively, competing on equal footing with his experienced teammate, Alex Albon.

Colapinto has reportedly attracted interest from both Red Bull, and while Williams remains keen to keep him within its ranks, a lucrative buy-out deal with the Milton Keynes-based outfit would certainly be worth considering.

For now, Lawson has made a strong case for a promotion, but Red Bull will continue to closely monitor the young gun’s results in the final three races of the season.

Regardless of how he performs, the 22-year-old will remain a significant part of Red Bull’s plans, even if he spends another year gaining experience with Visa Cash App RB.

With Perez’s future hanging by a thread and Red Bull preparing for long-term stability, the chances of the Kiwi joining Verstappen at Red Bull Racing in 2025 remain promising. But in the cutthroat world of Formula 1, nothing is certain until the final decisions are made.

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