Horner’s WEAKNESS led to committee decision over Lawson… More
Horner’s WEAKNESS led to committee decision over Lawson
Red Bull Racing’s decision to replace Sergio Perez with Liam Lawson has sparked significant debate, with many questioning the move.
Known for their cutthroat approach to driver management in the past, Red Bull seemed indecisive this time, holding onto the hope that Perez could regain his form.
However, as months passed, it became evident that the situation had turned legal.
Team Principal Christian Horner’s comments shifted from supporting Perez to suggesting that retirement was Perez’s choice, as he told media during the Qatar Grand Prix.
For weeks, the Formula One paddock has been abuzz with speculation about who would replace Perez once Red Bull inevitably ended his tenure alongside Max Verstappen.
Since Daniel Ricciardo’s initial departure, Red Bull has struggled to find a consistent and capable partner for Verstappen.
The ideal teammate would contribute significantly to the team’s points tally while maintaining their confidence despite Verstappen’s dominant presence.
Red Bull’s search for this elusive second driver has left a trail of unsuccessful partnerships, including Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and Daniil Kvyat, all of whom failed to thrive alongside Verstappen.
Now, Liam Lawson is tasked with succeeding where others have faltered.
Expectations are high, with Red Bull hoping Lawson can achieve consistent results in a high-pressure environment.
Critics argue that Red Bull missed an ideal opportunity to address their ongoing issues by overlooking Carlos Sainz, who became available after Lewis Hamilton announced his move to Ferrari next season.
Sainz, a proven Grand Prix winner with considerable experience, seemed like the perfect fit to bridge the gap while Red Bull nurtures young talent like Arvid Lindblad.
Despite Sainz’s credentials, Red Bull opted against signing him due to lingering tensions from the time Sainz and Verstappen were teammates at Toro Rosso.
Horner acknowledged Sainz’s talent but pointed out that various “criteria and dynamics” influenced the decision.
Reports suggest that disagreements between the drivers’ families also played a role in Red Bull’s decision.
Ultimately, Red Bull chose Lawson to replace Perez, placing the young driver under immense scrutiny.
While the team hopes he can thrive alongside Verstappen, the challenge is daunting, given Verstappen’s dominance and the pressure of delivering consistent performances.
Whether Lawson can succeed where others have struggled remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, Red Bull’s handling of the situation highlights the ongoing difficulty of finding the perfect partner for one of the greatest drivers in Formula One history.
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