Helmut Marko highlights enthusiasm gap between Pérez and Lawson – Red Bull senior advisor Helmut Marko has openly praised Liam Lawson’s attitude and approach, comparing him favourably to former team driver Sergio Pérez. The 81-year-old Austrian believes Lawson is showing more enthusiasm than Pérez ever did during his time at Red Bull.

Sergio Pérez’s exit from Red Bull marked the end of a turbulent tenure that saw the Mexican driver struggle to maintain consistency alongside Max Verstappen. Originally brought in for the 2021 season to provide stability and experience, Pérez enjoyed early success, including a crucial role in Verstappen’s first championship-winning campaign. However, as Red Bull’s dominance grew in 2022 and 2023, Pérez’s performance became increasingly inconsistent. Despite winning races and securing podiums, his inability to match Verstappen’s relentless pace led to mounting internal pressure.

Monaco GP major alteration confirmed

 

 

 

Pérez ‘underwhelming’

By the middle of the 2023 season, Pérez’s seat was already under scrutiny. A series of underwhelming qualifying performances and race struggles led Red Bull to question his long-term viability as Verstappen’s teammate. His early-season promise quickly faded and, as the season entered its final stretch, it was clear that Red Bull were looking for alternatives.

Team principal Christian Horner publicly backed Pérez on multiple occasions, but behind the scenes Helmut Marko was already pushing for a younger, hungrier driver to take the seat.

Marko has long been an advocate of Red Bull’s junior talent pipeline, and Liam Lawson had been on his radar for some time.

Red Bull in trouble? Verstappen’s ominous warning

 

 

 

Lawson lobbied by Marko

After an impressive Super Formula campaign in Japan and a strong performance as VCARB’s replacement for Daniel Ricciardo in 2023, Lawson had shown an ability to adapt quickly to the demands of Formula One. Marko saw in him the kind of enthusiasm and raw potential that Red Bull thrives on. As Pérez’s struggles continued into the end of 2023, Marko increasingly lobbied for Lawson to be given a chance at a full-time seat.

Ultimately, Red Bull made the decision to part ways with Pérez at the end of the 2024 season. While the official story suggested a mutual agreement, it was clear that Marko had been instrumental in orchestrating the transition.

By championing Lawson’s cause, he ensured that Red Bull’s future was one of youth and aggression rather than experience and inconsistency. With Lawson now in the seat, Marko’s vision for a fresh, energetic Red Bull line-up has taken shape, and the New Zealander will have to prove whether his mentor’s faith was well placed.

Ecclestone court case update

 

 

 

Lawson’s opportunity opens up after Pérez exit

The young New Zealander’s rapid adaptation and strong performance in pre-season testing has further cemented his standing in the Red Bull camp. Despite a minor on-track incident, Marko remains extremely pleased with Lawson’s progress, suggesting that the team made the right decision in giving him an extended run in testing.

Red Bull and Pérez parted ways at the end of last season, marking the conclusion of the Mexican driver’s time with the team. His departure created an opening for Liam Lawson to step into a full-time F1 seat for the first time in his career.

Lawson, who had previously served as a reserve driver for Red Bull and VCARB (formerly AlphaTauri), has long been considered a promising talent. His impressive performances in Super Formula and stints as a Red Bull junior driver had already caught the eye of Marko and the team management. Now he has the chance to prove himself on the sport’s biggest stage.

FIA president to follow Trump’s lead and appease Russia

 

 

 

Marko SLAMS Ferrari

 

 

 

Strong first impression at Bahrain test

Lawson wasted no time in making his presence felt on the first day of pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit. The 22-year-old set the second fastest time in the morning session, showing encouraging speed right from the start.

While he eventually finished the day in eighth position, his only notable mistake was a small spin between turns 2 and 3 in the morning session. Despite this, he completed a respectable 58 laps, demonstrating his ability to adapt quickly to the demands of his new role.

Marko was pleased with what he saw, acknowledging that Lawson’s lap times reflected both his natural pace and the evolving set-up of the car.

Ferrari admits Hamilton slower than Leclerc

 

 

 

Full day of testing ahead of season opener

Recognising the importance of track time for a rookie, Red Bull decided to give Lawson a full day in the car on the second day of testing. This session would serve as his final on-track preparation before the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

Marko was pleased with Lawson’s performance, although he noted that certain changes made to the car prevented the young driver from improving his times on the softer tyre compounds.

“He drove well,” said Marko, reflecting on Lawson’s first test session. “It was only when we switched from the hard compound to the medium compound that he didn’t improve any more”.

The Austrian went on to explain that this wasn’t necessarily a reflection of Lawson’s ability, but rather the result of set-up adjustments made by the team.

“We also changed something on the car at that time and it didn’t work,” continued Marko. “But within the team it made sense and we knew why it didn’t work.

Russell risks new strict FIA penalty for swearing live on TV in Bahrain

 

 

 

Marko: Lawson surpasses Pérez

Beyond lap times and technical performance, Marko highlighted what he sees as one of LawsonŽs greatest strengths: his enthusiasm. Comparing the Kiwi to Pérez, he suggested that Lawson’s youthful energy and eagerness had already given him an advantage over his predecessor.

“Liam is much more enthusiastic,” said Marko. “It’s the age thing, yes. But at least he hasn’t done anything wrong.

Marko’s comments reflect a belief that Lawson’s approach and attitude will serve him well in his debut season. While Pérez’s experience was once seen as an asset for Red Bull, his struggles with consistency and performance – particularly in 2023 – eventually led to his exit. By contrast, Lawson’s hunger and willingness to learn could be just what the team needs to move forward.

‘Alpine sold’, the official announcement

 

 

 

A crucial season ahead for Lawson

With the 2025 season fast approaching, all eyes will be on Lawson as he prepares for his first full season in F1. While pre-season testing is not always a direct indicator of race performance, his strong early showing in Bahrain suggests he is ready for the challenge.

Red Bull’s confidence in him is evident, and Marko’s praise suggests that the team believe they have made the right choice in promoting him. Now Lawson must turn his early promise into consistent race results to prove he deserves his place among the sport’s elite.

READ MORE – Marko mocks Ferrari

 

 

 

 

MORE F1 NEWS – Windsor expected better from Red Bull

Windsor expected more from Red Bull: “Strange they haven’t found their own solution” – Peter Windsor has expressed his surprise at Red Bull Racing’s approach to the ongoing debate over flexi-wings in Formula One. The former Williams team principal had expected the Austrian outfit to come up with their own technical solution rather than refer the matter to the FIA.

While Windsor does not find it unusual for additional regulations to be introduced, he is perplexed by Red Bull’s decision to seek the intervention of the governing body rather than pioneer an innovative approach themselves.

The flexi-wing debate has become a major topic of discussion in the Formula One paddock. The controversy has been brewing for some time, with last season’s use of flexible front and rear wings by McLaren the subject of much debate. Although the concept was initially associated with…READ MORE ON THIS STORY