BREAKING:Sergio Perez’s F1 Future Strengthened Amid Harsh Red Bull Cr…read more
BREAKING:Sergio Perez’s F1 Future Strengthened Amid Harsh Red Bull Cr…read more
Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has voiced strong disapproval of Red Bull’s handling of Liam Lawson’s brief stint with the team, while offering new support for Sergio Perez’s potential return to the grid. Montoya’s comments came in response to Red Bull’s controversial decision to replace Lawson after just two races this season, a move that raised eyebrows within the motorsport community.
Perez, who was removed from his full-time driving role after a challenging 2024 season, with an eighth-place finish in the drivers’ championship, had been facing questions about his future in F1. Many doubted whether the Mexican driver would return to the sport. However, recent struggles by Lawson, who has failed to match the pace of teammate Max Verstappen, have caused many to reevaluate Perez’s performance.
The renewed focus on Perez’s 2024 season has boosted his chances of making a comeback. Mario Andretti recently revealed that Perez is now a potential candidate for a seat with Cadillac, who will become the 11th team in F1 next year, sparking fresh hope for the 33-year-old.
Montoya, known for his outspoken views, criticized Red Bull’s decision to bench Lawson so early in the season. Speaking to Vision 4 Sport, Montoya remarked, “How can you judge a driver after just two races? It amazes me that Red Bull attributes the issue solely to the driver and not to the car, engineering, or overall team dynamics. It’s extremely ruthless.”
The Colombian driver also suggested that Perez’s previous struggles may have been unfairly blamed on him, stating, “We all thought Perez was the issue, but now we realize it was the car.” Montoya implied that Perez’s situation was more complicated than originally perceived and pointed to the contrasting results between Perez and Lawson as evidence.
Montoya’s comments on Lawson’s reputation added further fuel to the debate, noting, “His reputation is suffering right now. While a bit of arrogance is fine, you have to back it up with results. The memes and the criticism are all over social media, and this situation has been a tough reality check for him.”
Perez, whose relationship with Red Bull had been in the spotlight after his performance last season, is now in a stronger position to secure a return to the sport in the coming years. With Montoya’s endorsement and the shifting perception of his capabilities, the Mexican driver may yet have a bright future in F1 ahead of him.
