Sergio Perez twist as F1 star linked with switch 'preparing for Red Bull seat'

30 November 2023 , 07:00

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Liam Lawson is set to be Red Bull's reserve F1 driver for 2024 (Image: Getty Images)

Karun Chandhok thinks Liam Lawson will turn down any Williams approach over the winter and gamble on Red Bull swinging the axe at Sergio Perez's expense.

The New Zealander made an unexpected Formula 1 debut this year when Daniel Ricciardo broke a bone in his left hand. And Lawson took full advantage, impressing in his five outings for AlphaTauri before handing the seat back to its contracted owner.

Despite those strong showings, Red Bull decided against promoting the 21-year-old to a full-time race seat. AlphaTauri will field an unchanged driver line-up while Lawson is the official reserve driver for both teams in 2024.

There is still one seat for next season not yet set in stone with Williams taking their time over whether to extend Logan Sargeant's time in the sport. Given his strong performances during his handful of appearances, he would be a strong candidate to replace the American should James Vowles decide to make a change.

But Lawson will also be aware that an opportunity may arise soon at his current employer. Perez has underwhelmed this season despite finishing second in the championship, but with less than half the points total team-mate Max Verstappen racked up as he romped to the title.

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Red Bull have never hesitated to replace under-performing drivers mid-season and would have no qualms about doing so if Perez struggles too much in 2024. In such an event, it seems likely Ricciardo would be promoted to replace him - leaving an AlphaTauri seat free for Lawson to make his own.

That potential outcome is why pundit Chandhok thinks the Kiwi would turn down a potential approach this winter. "I don't think Lawson will take the Williams opportunity because he genuinely is keeping an eye on that Red Bull thing," he told the Sky Sports F1 podcast.

"What happens? Do they start the season with Checo? If that doesn't work out, do they stick Daniel in the Red Bull? In which case, do they put Liam in the AlphaTauri?

"From Liam's standpoint, he's going, 'Hang on a second, I might take this gamble here and not upset the Red Bull family'. Because you can't sign with Williams, even on loan for Red Bull, and then leave mid-season - so I think he's gambling on something opening up perhaps in the early part of next year."

Regardless, Williams are likely to keep Sargeant anyway with team principal Vowles happy with the progress he has made in the late stages of this season. But before setting that decision in stone, he is poring through the Floridian's data with an announcement due in the coming weeks.

Daniel Moxon