F1 Champion Damon Hill Backs Liam Lawson for Red Bull Promotion Amidst Sergio Perez Scrutiny
F1 Champion Damon Hill Backs Liam Lawson for Red Bull Promotion Amidst Sergio Perez Scrutiny
As speculation continues to swirl around the future of Red Bull Racing’s second seat, 1996 Formula 1 World Champion Damon Hill has thrown his weight behind the promotion of Liam Lawson to partner Max Verstappen for the 2025 season. Hill, speaking on the *F1 Nation* podcast, emphasized Lawson’s experience with Red Bull as a key asset, suggesting the young New Zealander is the most likely candidate to step into the role.
The Case for Lawson
Hill expressed confidence that Lawson’s familiarity with the team and its operations makes him the logical choice for the Red Bull seat. “I would have put Carlos Sainz there, but that’s not going to happen. So I think it’s Liam Lawson, almost certainly,” Hill said. While Lawson’s experience as a reserve driver for Red
The mention of “big money” potentially influencing the seat points to Red Bull’s ongoing relationship with sponsors and their investment in drivers. Hill hinted that a potential move for 2024 Formula 2 standout Franco Colapinto could be on the cards, though he acknowledged that the young Argentine might not yet be ready for a top-tier role with Red Bull. “He’s a little bit inexperienced,” Hill added, suggesting that Colapinto’s time might come later.
Mental Resilience: A Key Factor in Verstappen’s Teammate Selection
While Hill focused on Lawson’s experience and readiness, former F1 driver Luciano Burti highlighted another important factor in the decision-making process—mental toughness. Burti argued that Red Bull needs a driver who can handle the intense pressure of competing alongside Verstappen, and that speed alone is not enough.
“It’s not just about speed,” Burti explained. “It’s mainly about confidence and a cool head to deal with the pressure.” With Verstappen’s dominant position in the team and the expectations that come with it, Burti stressed the psychological fortitude required to handle the role.
Lawson, according to Burti, fits the bill. The Brazilian commentator noted that the young driver has displayed a calm, collected demeanor under pressure, which could make him a valuable asset to Red Bull’s lineup. “Lawson seems to be one of those guys, he seems to be very open for the fight, and he doesn’t seem to care too much, at least, that’s what he shows off,” Burti said. This mental resilience could prove crucial for any driver stepping into the seat next to Verstappen, who has often dominated the headlines with his relentless drive for success.
A Missed Opportunity for Carlos Sainz?
Both Hill and Burti agreed that if Red Bull were willing to consider other candidates, Carlos Sainz would be a strong option. The Ferrari driver has impressed with his consistency and maturity in recent seasons, and many see him as an ideal candidate to challenge Verstappen. However, both experts acknowledged that Sainz seems unlikely to make the move to Red Bull, given the political and contractual complexities within the sport.
“If Red Bull were open to considering him, Carlos would be a fantastic fit,” Hill said. However, the path for Sainz to join Red Bull appears blocked by his current ties to Ferrari, making a switch to the reigning champions more difficult.
Verstappen in what could be a highly competitive 2025 season.
The driver market is ever-evolving, and while Lawson seems to be the front-runner, the situation remains fluid. If Lawson’s trajectory continues upward, the path to Red Bull may be just around the corner for the promising New Zealand talent.
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