Kiwi Formula One driver Liam Lawson has found himself at the center of online backlash after Red Bull Racing announced the departure of Mexican driver Sergio Perez. The news, shared by Perez on X (formerly Twitter), marks the end of his four-year tenure with the team.
Perez’s Departure Sparks Fan Fury
Perez, who had been a key figure in Red Bull’s lineup, thanked the team and fans in his farewell message:
“Driving for Red Bull has been an unforgettable experience… A special thank you to the fans around the world, and especially to the Mexican fans for your unwavering support.”
Despite Perez’s gracious farewell, his fans have unleashed their frustration on Liam Lawson, a 22-year-old New Zealand driver speculated to be a top contender for Perez’s seat. Social media platforms have seen an influx of harsh comments, with some users bombarding Lawson’s posts with derogatory emojis and abusive remarks.
One commenter wrote:
“You don’t deserve the Red Bull seat… Because of you, the Red Bull team has lost all pride.”
Another harshly predicted:
“Max will destroy Lawson’s career, and I will enjoy it very, very much.”
Red Bull’s Dilemma: Lawson vs. Tsunoda
As Red Bull evaluates its options, Liam Lawson and Racing Bulls teammate Yuki Tsunoda are considered the primary candidates for the open seat. Despite Lawson’s promise as a young talent, he has faced challenges in head-to-head results against Tsunoda during his 2024 stint.
However, Tsunoda’s association with Honda complicates matters. With Honda set to switch allegiance to Aston Martin in 2026, Red Bull is hesitant to promote Tsunoda, fearing they may lose him to a rival team within a year.
Reports suggest that Red Bull’s senior leadership, including legendary car designer Adrian Newey, are inclined to give Lawson a chance in the main team, while academy driver Isack Hadjar is a strong candidate to step into the Racing Bulls lineup.
The Decline of Sergio Perez
Perez’s departure comes after a sharp decline in performance. After signing a contract extension in June, Perez struggled to maintain consistency, finishing eighth in the drivers’ championship despite teammate Max Verstappen securing a fourth consecutive title.
The performance gap was staggering:
- Max Verstappen: 9 wins, 437 points
- Sergio Perez: 0 wins, 152 points
The 285-point gap was the largest between any two teammates this season. Perez’s lackluster results are widely seen as the primary reason Red Bull fell from first to third in the constructors’ championship, trailing McLaren and Ferrari. This dip in performance cost Red Bull an estimated eight-figure sum in prize money, far outweighing the sponsorship revenue Perez brought from Mexico.
Lawson’s Second Chance
Lawson, who filled in for Daniel Ricciardo at Racing Bulls in late 2024, now faces immense pressure as a potential replacement for Perez. Despite his relative inexperience, Red Bull appears to see long-term potential in the Kiwi driver.
While some fans remain skeptical, Lawson has previously shown flashes of brilliance. His promotion, if confirmed, would mark a significant step in his career and a bold move by Red Bull to invest in young talent over established names.
What’s Next for Red Bull?
The official announcement of Perez’s replacement is expected in the coming days. Whether Liam Lawson or Yuki Tsunoda takes the seat, Red Bull’s decision will likely shape the future dynamics of its driver lineup.
For now, Red Bull fans and critics alike will watch closely as the team navigates the aftermath of a turbulent 2024 season.
