Perez’s struggles and Lawson’s opportunity
Former Formula 1 team owner Eddie Jordan has weighed in on Red Bull’s driver situation, suggesting that Sergio Perez should be replaced if McLaren’s Oscar Piastri is not an option. Perez has faced difficulties during the 2023 season, winning only two races compared to his dominant teammate Max Verstappen, who is on the verge of clinching the championship at the Qatar Grand Prix.
Liam Lawson’s impressive stint
Red Bull reserve driver Liam Lawson has had the chance to showcase his skills with AlphaTauri due to Daniel Ricciardo’s injury. The New Zealand native has impressed in his four substitute appearances, achieving AlphaTauri’s best result of the year with a ninth-place finish in Singapore. Despite his strong performances, Lawson has not been granted a full-time race seat for the next season, as AlphaTauri has confirmed Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo as their 2024 lineup.
Eddie Jordan’s recommendation
Eddie Jordan suggests that if Red Bull decides to replace Sergio Perez, they should consider promoting the young talent, Liam Lawson. Jordan sees Lawson as a promising prospect and believes he could become the next Sebastian Vettel. He emphasizes the importance of taking a chance on fresh talent for Red Bull’s second seat alongside Verstappen.
The Piastri factor
While Jordan supports the idea of promoting Lawson, he also acknowledges the potential of Oscar Piastri, who has excelled in his rookie season with McLaren. Piastri secured his maiden F1 podium with a third-place finish in Suzuka and recently had his contract extended through 2026. Jordan recognizes Piastri as a genuine talent and suggests that Red Bull should consider him if they decide to replace Perez.
Lawson’s continued opportunities
Liam Lawson is set to make another F1 appearance in Qatar while Daniel Ricciardo postpones his comeback until the United States Grand Prix in Austin. This additional outing provides Lawson with another opportunity to showcase his skills on the F1 stage.
In summary, Eddie Jordan’s recommendation to Red Bull is to consider Liam Lawson as a potential replacement for Sergio Perez, emphasizing the importance of nurturing young talent. However, he also acknowledges the impressive performance of Oscar Piastri at McLaren, making him a viable option if Red Bull decides to make a change in their driver lineup. Lawson’s continued opportunities in F1 will likely keep him in the spotlight as a promising talent for the future.