Helmut Marko wants to give Liam Lawson a bucket, Daniel Ricciardo responds

Helmut Marko wants to provide a seat to Liam Lawson, Daniel Ricciardo responds. After Jack Doohan’s arrival at Alpine, the available seats are decreasing on the grid. While three seats are still vacant, two of them already have candidates for 2025. So far, the spot at Audi seems to be attracting attention, but Red Bull teams are also at the center of discussions. With a vacant seat at Racing Bulls and a complicated relationship with Sergio Pérez, the team could well offer two new opportunities.

Liam Lawson and a potential arrival in F1

Speculations about Red Bull and Racing Bulls duos have resumed with even more intensity this week. Helmut Marko, a key figure at Red Bull, hinted that Liam Lawson, the reserve driver, could be promoted to a full-time position in Formula 1 next year. With three full seats at the moment, the most obvious solution seems to be the vacant position at Racing Bulls. However, the seat is currently occupied by Daniel Ricciardo. If Helmut Marko’s statement is true, then the Australian driver could leave the sport as soon as next year, unless Sergio Pérez ends up being replaced after all.

Liam Lawson made his Formula 1 debut at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix replacing Daniel Ricciardo. While the driver was injured, he impressed the paddock by competing in five races and scoring points in Singapore. Helmut Marko had already suggested that the New Zealander would have a busy schedule with the team by next season. Previously, the Austrian hinted that he was a candidate for a spot in the team, but the recent statements suggest that he already has a reserved seat.

Expressing himself in the Kleine Zeitung, Helmut Marko indicated that Liam Lawson would officially be in the team in 2025. « In September, there will be a decision,” he began. « Next year, he will be in one of our cars. » However, one question remains: which one? And if Yuki Tsunoda and Max Verstappen are not in danger, the same cannot be said for everyone.

The New Zealander deserves his place

Daniel Ricciardo, the main suspect regarding a departure from Formula 1, reacted to the statements of his team manager. The Australian driver, who returned to Red Bull in 2024 after a short stint at McLaren, is now fighting to keep his seat against Liam Lawson. When asked by the media, he hoped to receive a call to replace Sergio Pérez during this summer. “Listen, I certainly didn’t rule it out, but I don’t want to say, ‘Oh no, I thought about it.’ I thought that something might happen, but I didn’t expect it or didn’t hope too much for it,” he said.

But if this call had a chance to happen, it’s not the one that took place. If Daniel Ricciardo is currently in danger, he still recognizes Liam Lawson’s skills. Speaking of Liam, he was able to drive the car last year and did an excellent job, and I really think he deserves a place on the grid. So, if he is guaranteed a seat on the grid next year, it’s because he deserves it, admitted Daniel Ricciardo.

For now, the Australian prefers to keep his focus on his own performances. With a 10-point gap behind his teammate Yuki Tsunoda, he must not lose hope. “What this means for me is probably a bit uncertain, but if I perform, I’m sure they’ll find me a place somewhere,” could be heard. “So, it’s definitely better, but I can’t say it’s enough. I know that if I continue to do this [have this level of performance] during the next races, I could say: ‘This is the real me now’ and I would have proven that over several races.”

On his side, Daniel Ricciardo is fighting for his future. Sergio Perez’s place at Red Bull Racing is far from assured and could just as easily go to someone else next season. If Red Bull chooses to promote Liam Lawson to the main team in 2025, the Mexican will find himself without a seat. His inconsistent performances and various race-related issues could mark the end of his story with the team.