Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner Evaluates Yuki Tsunoda And Liam Lawson For Sergio Perez's Replacement

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Red Bull Racing is currently evaluating potential candidates to replace Sergio Perez as their second driver. Team principal Christian Horner has stated that no decision has been made yet between Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda. Both drivers are part of Red Bull's junior team, and the selection process is ongoing. Perez announced his departure after a challenging 2024 season, where he finished eighth in the drivers' championship.

Perez's tenure with Red Bull saw him achieve five race wins, three pole positions, and 29 podium finishes, accumulating a total of 932 points. Despite signing a two-year contract in June, an agreement was reached for Perez to leave before the 2025 Formula One season begins. This decision opens up a competitive slot within the team, with both Lawson and Tsunoda eager to step up.

Christian Horner explained that both Lawson and Tsunoda have strong credentials for the position. "We have all the information that we need. Essentially, it will be a choice between Yuki and Liam. Both have got strong credentials," he told Sky Sports. The team recently tested Tsunoda during post-season tyre testing in Abu Dhabi to assess his capabilities further.

Liam Lawson has also been actively involved with Red Bull throughout the year, participating in various tests behind the scenes. His performance in six or seven races has been commendable, adding to his prospects for selection. Horner mentioned that discussions with the engineering team are ongoing, and a decision will be made soon.

Perez's final season was marked by difficulties, scoring only 49 points over the last 18 races and finishing significantly behind teammate Max Verstappen by 285 points. This performance contributed to Red Bull missing out on the constructors' title. Horner is focused on ensuring that the new driver lineup can challenge Verstappen effectively in what promises to be a highly competitive 2025 season.

The upcoming season will feature formidable lineups across teams, including Hamilton-Leclerc at Ferrari and Norris-Piastri at McLaren. Mercedes will also present George Russell alongside newcomer Antonelli. Horner emphasised the importance of having two high-performing drivers at Red Bull Racing next year.

As Red Bull prepares for what could be one of the most competitive seasons in recent years, selecting the right driver to partner with Verstappen is crucial. The decision between Lawson and Tsunoda will play a significant role in shaping their strategy for success in 2025.