New Zealand motorsports star Liam Lawson is caught between a rock and a hard place in the Formula One (F1) Red Bull racing team.
While Red Bull provides Lawson with high-level training and access to the best resources in the sport, the team also has a strict driver hierarchy.
Red Bull’s main focus is understandably on reigning world champion Max Verstappen. The Belgian-Dutch driver has been a force to be reckoned with this season, racking up 303 points.
Verstappen’s contract runs until the end of the 2028 season, so he is locked in for the foreseeable future. However, teammate Sergio Perez’s future is less certain.
The Mexican has had a mixed season, which has sparked plenty of debate about his future. The Mexican has underperformed compared to Verstappen, but is a steady hand for the team.
However, his inconsistency may force Red Bull to consider tweaking their line-up, especially given their history of swapping drivers mid-season.
They could consider bumping Lawson to the main team if Perez doesn’t improve, but a more likely route into F1 could be their sister team, AlphaTauri.
Red Bull boss Christian Horner has previously hinted at the possibility of loaning the New Zealand driver to another team for more experience.
The latter option might be good for Lawson’s career, but it may also make it harder for him to get back into the Red Bull main team.
Williams Could Offer a Temporary Home
F1 team Williams could make an offer to Lawson if his situation at Red Bull shows no signs of improving over the next few weeks.
Williams are searching a new driver to replace Logan Sargeant, whose future at the team has come under intense scrutiny after several inconsistent performances and costly crashes.
They were already planning to drop the United States racers at the end of the year, with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz poised to take his place.
Sargeant was recently involved in another huge accident at Zandvoort, and Williams team boss James Vowles is now evaluating his options.
He made a mistake in a wet final free practice session, dipping his right-hand wheels onto the grass. He lost control of his car, causing it to spin at high speed into the barriers.
The crash destroyed many of the latest upgrades that Williams had brought to the Dutch GP weekend, and his latest accident could be the final straw.
Williams want a replacement to partner Alexander Albon, and they have shown an interest in Lawson, who has impressed in the Red Bull B team.
Vowles has already contacted Red Bull to see if Lawson is available. He believes the New Zealand star is the best bet to replace Sergeant, given his immense talent. This development could draw considerable interest from the betting community in New Zealand.
Lawson’s performances have already sparked excitement in his homeland, and any move to a full-time F1 seat would send online betting NZ into a frenzy.
The Kiwi’s undoubted talent makes him an intriguing option for punters and if he secures a seat with a top team he will be rated as a strong contender for podium finishes.
<h2>Lawson Could Replace Daniel Ricciardo at AlphaTauri</h2>
Red Bull are willing to loan Lawson to Williams, but only under terms that allow them to recall him quickly if needed.
That could scupper Williams’ plans because they may not want to deal with the uncertainty of having a driver who could leave at any time.
Another key factor in Lawson’s future is Daniel Ricciardo’s status at AlphaTauri.
Ricciardo’s inconsistency has thrown his future at the Red Bull family into question, and the team will closely watch his performances in the second half of the season.
If Ricciardo does not perform well, Lawson may get a chance to replace him in 2025. Other than Williams and AlphaTauri, Lawson’s options on the 2025 grid are limited.
The New Zealander could have been a viable option to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, but they have promoted Andrea Kimi Antonelli from within.
