Having spent 2024 on the sidelines, Liam Lawson has become a leading candidate to join Williams. The Grove-based team have seriously considered putting Lawson alongside Alex Albon for the rest of the season. However, it is understood that Red Bull’s terms for an agreement have turned James Vowles away from further pursuing the Kiwi.
Liam Lawson set to miss out on Williams opportunity
Red Bull complicates negotiations
With Carlos Sainz already on a multi-year contract, a mid-season move to Williams would only be temporary for Lawson. In many ways, this is a perfect scenario – given that Lawson would still be available for Red Bull next year.
However, as is often the case, there are several layers to unpack at Red Bull. Despite the team’s recent comments in support of Sergio Perez, his position at Red Bull is uncertain.
There is every possibility he could be replaced later in the season.
Because of this, the reigning Champions would only send Lawson on loan under specific terms.
Christian Horner discussed this topic last weekend, initially in response to Helmut Marko’s comments about VCARB’s driver line-up.
Still, his quotes also apply to the Willaims situation. Red Bull are unlikely to send Lawson away if they don’t have the ability to recall him at thir will.
This could prove detrimental to any chances of reaching an agreement with James Vowles.
Lawson must wait longer for a seat
Of course, missing out on this potential opening at Williams is not a disaster for Lawson. Unlike Mick Schumacher, the Kiwi has a relatively direct path to the grid already.
With that said, Lawson is unlikely to enjoy this persistent uncertainty about the future.
A few months ago, he even admitted to being unsure about his position within the team for the long term.
For a young driver whose presence in F1 seemed as almost guaranteed just twelve months ago, spending more time away from the grid will be uncomfortable.
In some ways, he is in a similar situation to Yuki Tsunoda. Although Red Bull are unwilling to promote the Japanese driver to the main team, they don’t want a rival to sign him either.
This leaves the 24-year-old stuck at a dead end.
As Red Bull have proven on numerous occasions in the past, there is always the possibility of a sudden change. Ricciardo, Tsunoda, Lawson and Perez could experience any number of scenarios in the coming months.
From one perspective, this unpredictability could be seen as an environment of great opportunity.
Then again, given that Red Bull have kept the same driver line-up since 2021, the young talent at Milton Keynes could become pessimistic about their chances.
There is certainly a scenario where Red Bull gives Lawson a VCARB seat this year. The Kiwi is even more likely to race for the Faenza-based team in 2025.
Still, given that Lawson was widely expected to be in F1 already, the 22-year-old could see this as the bare minimum. In any case, at least for now, the waiting game is set to continue for the Kiwi.
