Liam Lawson (NZL) AlphaTauri. 15.09.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 16, Singapore Grand Prix, Marina Bay Street Circuit, Singapore, Practice Day.
Ex-Formula 1 team owner Eddie Jordan believes Red Bull should replace Sergio Perez with Liam Lawson if McLaren’s Oscar Piastri proves to be an unattainable option.
Perez has struggled extensively throughout the 2023 campaign, winning only two races compared to the 13 amassed by Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen, who can clinch the title at this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix.
Meanwhile, Red Bull reserve driver Lawson has been handed the opportunity to make his F1 bow with AlphaTauri since Daniel Ricciardo was ruled out with a broken left hand sustained in a crash at Zandvoort.
The New Zealander has impressed in his four deputy appearances to date, scoring AlphaTauri’s best result of the entire year with a ninth-place finish in Singapore.
But Lawson has been overlooked for a full-time race seat next year, with AlphaTauri recently confirming that Tsunoda and Ricciardo will form the team’s 2024 line-up.
Providing Red Bull elect to replace Perez, however, Jordan insists the Austrian outfit should plump for the youth of Lawson to fill the potential vacancy alongside Verstappen.
“I think he either next year or the year after should wind up in Red Bull,” Jordan said on the Formula for Success podcast.
“Put Lawson in the car. Take that chance, because you have a chance of making another Vettel. It’s really difficult to see how Daniel is going to do that… Don’t lose Lawson though, I think he is really good.”
“Lawson deserves a chance in Formula 1, you can only win the championship with one driver.
“And, in my opinion, if you are going to change Checo Perez, I would change them for somebody absolutely new who has a really bright future.
“I think Lawson because it’s the same kind of feeder team, isn’t it?
“Where Sebastian Vettel came from, and Lawson has that ability. I think he, either next year or the year after, should wind up in Red Bull.”
Christian Horner (GBR) Red Bull Racing Team Principal (Centre) with race winner Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing and Oscar Piastri (AUS) McLaren. 24.09.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Race Day.
However, Jordan asserts that he would target Piastri before promoting Lawson.
The Australian has excelled in his rookie season, securing his maiden F1 podium with third place at the last round in Suzuka.
Prior to the Japanese GP weekend getting underway, McLaren announced it had extended Piastri’s contract through 2026.
“I think Piastri is the real deal,” Jordan added. “Full marks to McLaren, they’ve signed him ’til ’26 because they needed to because he will be a very sought-after driver.
“If I was in Red Bull, and I was thinking of replacing Checo, he’d be the one I’d have in my mind.”
Meanwhile, Lawson is set to complete another F1 outing in Qatar this weekend, with Ricciardo set to delay his comeback until the United States Grand Prix in Austin.
Keyword: Red Bull should replace Perez with Lawson – Jordan