As Sergio Perez’s contract with Red Bull is set to expire at the end of the 2024 season, Red Bull’s team principal, Christian Horner, has expressed his intention to explore all available driver options for the following season.
Former F1 team owner Eddie Jordan believes that Red Bull should consider promoting reserve driver Liam Lawson to partner with Max Verstappen in 2025. Perez, who currently occupies the seat alongside Verstappen, has faced challenges this season, leading to speculation about his future with the team.
Horner has acknowledged significant interest from F1 drivers in the potential opening within the team. Jordan, noting Lawson’s impressive performances despite being overlooked for an AlphaTauri seat for the upcoming season, suggests that Lawson should be a strong contender.
Jordan expressed his views on his Formula For Success podcast, stating, “Lawson deserves a chance in Formula 1, and if there’s a change from Checo [Perez], I would opt for someone completely new with a promising future.” He also highlighted the similarity between Lawson’s situation and that of Sebastian Vettel, who came from a feeder team. Jordan believes that Lawson possesses the potential to join Red Bull, either in the next season or the following one.
Additionally, Jordan emphasized the importance of taking a chance on Lawson, as it could lead to the development of another driver of Vettel’s caliber. He also encouraged Red Bull not to lose sight of Lawson’s talent, describing him as “really good.”
If not, Jordan has another rising young talent in mind whom he believes Red Bull should closely track. He mentioned receiving a heads-up about Oscar Piastri’s potential long before the Australian entered Formula 1.
Jordan recalled, “I believe I had insider information, as is often the case. Back in the late ’80s, when Johnny Herbert was under the management of Mark Webber’s wife, Ann, I had a connection with her and understood her expertise. In my opinion, she was among the most professional managers in the world of sports.”
He continued, “Ann tipped me off at the time, saying, ‘Listen, I have to share this with you; this guy is the real deal.’ I genuinely believe he is the real deal. Credit to McLaren for securing his services until 2026, as they recognized his potential, and he will undoubtedly become a highly sought-after driver. If I were at Red Bull and considering a replacement for Checo, Oscar Piastri would be at the top of my list.”
