RB reserve driver Liam Lawson faces tough competition for a 2025 F1 return. RB CEO Peter Bayer revealed the team’s satisfaction with their current driver line-up.
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Despite both RB drivers being out of contract at the end of the year and Lawson’s impressive performance in his F1 cameo last season, Bayer’s comments suggest that a shake-up may not be on the horizon.
Red Bull had plans to position Daniel Ricciardo alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing and place Yuki Tsunoda with Lawson at the junior team.
However, Ricciardo’s underwhelming form next to Tsunoda has not justified a promotion.
As a result, Red Bull is leaning towards retaining Sergio Perez with Rumours indicating that his new deal could be announced soon.
Yuki Tsunoda has been in stellar form throughout 2024, meriting an extension. Ricciardo, despite his struggles, remains a significant asset due to his experience and marketability.
Bayer emphasised the team’s contentment with the current pairing, indicating no immediate plans for changes: “We’re not wasting time with discussing ifs and whens”.
“We have a very strong line-up. We have a great reserve driver. We have great talent coming through F2, F3.
“Currently, it’s all about focusing on performance – the focus is more on Aston Martin in front of us than on driver discussions.”
The Red Bull CEO hinted that discussions about the driver line-up for 2025 would not take place until the Summer break. He also underlined the value Lawson brings to the team through his simulator work and presence at every race weekend.
“We’re in a luxury situation”
Bayer added, “But as I said before, currently we have two drivers in the cars. We are finding performance with the two.”
He believes the team are not yet discussing the 2025 situation because they are “in a luxury situation of having that strong grassroot pyramid behind us.”
With the abundance of talent in Red Bull’s junior categories also, the team finds itself in a fortunate position. The current stability and performance of the main team means that Lawson faces tough competition for the seat he desires.
Should RB give way to upcoming talent as opposed to experience and marketability?
Image Credit: Red Bull
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