UNBELIEVABLE: ‘I Regret Replacing Perez With Lawson,’ Red Bull Team Principal Explicitly Stated, Calling It The Worst Decision He Has Ever Made And Explains Why
In an explosive revelation that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 world, Red Bull Racing’s team principal, Christian Horner, has admitted to making one of the worst decisions of his career. In a candid interview with reporters earlier this week, Horner explicitly stated that replacing Sergio Perez with rookie driver Liam Lawson was a decision he deeply regrets.
The Red Bull Racing team has dominated Formula 1 in recent seasons, with reigning World Champion Max Verstappen leading the charge. However, the team’s second seat has been a source of contention, with Perez struggling to match Verstappen’s pace and consistency. In a move that surprised many, Red Bull opted to replace Perez with the 22-year-old New Zealander Liam Lawson for a few races towards the tail end of the 2024 season.
At the time, the decision appeared to be a strategic one, aimed at testing the performance of a promising young driver. Lawson, who had impressed in his limited outings in Formula 1, seemed like a potential future star. However, Horner’s recent admission suggests that things did not go according to plan.
“I look back at that decision now, and it’s one I regret. I truly believed at the time that bringing Liam Lawson in would give us an edge and shake things up in a positive way. But what we’ve seen is quite the opposite,” Horner confessed. “The performance has simply not been there, and I can’t ignore the fact that we sacrificed a proven driver in Perez, who, despite some inconsistencies, was a valuable member of the team.”
Horner’s frustration with Lawson’s performance became apparent after the New Zealander struggled to meet expectations in both qualifying and race results. Lawson’s pace was inconsistent, and while he showed flashes of brilliance, the overall performance of the car seemed to regress with him behind the wheel.
On the other hand, Perez, who had come under fire for his inability to match Verstappen’s speed, continued to deliver solid results when called upon. While the Mexican driver had been criticized for his inability to challenge Verstappen for the top spots, his experience and racecraft were still considered key assets for the team.
“It was a harsh lesson for us,” Horner admitted. “Sergio, despite the criticism he faced, had built a strong rapport with the team. He understood the car, knew how to work with the engineers, and played an important role in our overall strategy. Liam’s arrival disrupted that dynamic, and we lost some of that continuity.”
As the 2025 season looms, the future of both Perez and Lawson within Red Bull Racing remains uncertain. Reports suggest that Perez is currently negotiating a new contract with the team, despite ongoing pressure to improve his performances. Meanwhile, Lawson is expected to be given more opportunities to prove himself, but it remains unclear whether the team will give him another chance at the race seat.
Red Bull Racing, one of the most successful teams in recent history, now faces a critical crossroads. Horner’s recent comments show just how much the team values consistency, and the ramifications of their decision to replace Perez with Lawson could affect their championship ambitions moving forward.
For now, Red Bull Racing is focused on securing a competitive future for both their drivers and the team as a whole. Whether this regretful decision will become a blip in their long-term success or a defining moment remains to be seen.
As Horner reflects on the impact of his choice, the F1 world waits with bated breath to see how Red Bull will navigate this turbulent chapter in their storied history.
