The difference between Checo Perez and Liam Lawson stormed Red Bull. And Liam Lawson is stronger and more talented.

The internal dynamics at Red Bull Racing have always been intense, but the latest storm brewing within the team revolves around the rising star Liam Lawson and veteran Sergio “Checo” Perez. While Checo has been Max Verstappen’s teammate since 2021, his performances have been inconsistent, leading many to question whether Red Bull should replace him with Liam Lawson—a young, fearless, and incredibly talented driver who has already shown glimpses of brilliance.

The debate has escalated, with fans and experts divided: Is Liam Lawson stronger and more talented than Perez? Should Red Bull make the bold move of promoting the young Kiwi to a full-time seat?

This battle is not just about raw speed but also racecraft, consistency, and adaptability. Let’s break down the key differences between Checo Perez and Liam Lawson to see whether the rising star has what it takes to outshine the experienced veteran.

1. Raw Speed and Qualifying Ability

Checo Perez: The Struggles in Qualifying

One of Perez’s biggest weaknesses has been his inability to match Verstappen’s qualifying pace. In 2023, while Verstappen regularly secured pole positions, Perez often found himself starting races from P5, P6, or even outside the top 10.

• Struggles with One-Lap Pace Perez has never been a qualifying specialist, often struggling with maximizing grip on new tires.
• Inconsistency Under Pressure: When Perez knows he needs to deliver a strong lap, mistakes often creep in, leading to avoidable crashes or poor results.

Liam Lawson: A Qualifying Star in the Making?

On the other hand, Liam Lawson has impressed with his raw speed whenever given a chance. His brief stint in F1 with AlphaTauri in 2023 showed that he can adapt quickly and extract performance from the car.

• Quick Learner: Despite stepping into an unfamiliar AlphaTauri mid-season, Lawson outqualified Yuki Tsunoda in a few races, proving his strong one-lap speed.
• Confidence in High-Pressure Moments: Unlike Perez, who has shown vulnerability in qualifying, Lawson appears to be more fearless, which could make him a stronger qualifying performer in a Red Bull seat.

2. Race Craft and Overtaking Ability

Checo Perez: The Master of Tire Management

While Perez struggles in qualifying, his greatest strength is his racecraft. His ability to manage tires and execute strategic overtakes has won him multiple podiums and victories.

• Expert in Defensive Driving His famous battle against Lewis Hamilton in Abu Dhabi 2021 played a crucial role in helping Verstappen win the championship.
• Tire Whisperer: Perez has mastered the art of extending tire life, often allowing him to use alternate strategies to gain positions.

Liam Lawson: The Fearless Overtaker

Lawson has yet to fully prove himself in long races, but the early signs suggest he is far more aggressive than Perez when it comes to overtaking.

• Fearless Against Big Names: When he raced in Singapore 2023, he fought hard against seasoned drivers and held his ground impressively.
• Confidence on Street Circuits His strong performance at the demanding Singapore Grand Prix proved that he can handle pressure and tight racing conditions.

If Red Bull is looking for a more aggressive and attacking driver, Lawson might have the edge over Perez, who is more defensive and calculated.

3. Adaptability and Growth Potential

Checo Perez: Struggling to Adapt to Red Bull’s Demanding Car

One of the biggest criticisms of Perez is his difficulty in adapting to Red Bull’s car philosophy, which is heavily tailored to Verstappen’s aggressive driving style.

• Understeer Issues: Perez prefers a stable rear end, but Red Bull’s car development focuses on sharp front-end grip, which Verstappen loves.
• Difficulty with Car Evolution: As Red Bull evolves the car throughout the season, Perez often falls further behind Verstappen, struggling to adapt to the new balance.

Liam Lawson: Quick Adaptation to Any Car

Unlike Perez, Lawson has shown an ability to quickly adapt to new machinery, a crucial trait for success in modern F1.

• Stepped Into F1 Without Testing: When Daniel Ricciardo was injured in 2023, Lawson immediately adapted and delivered strong performances.
• Versatile Experience: Having raced in Super Formula in Japan, he has developed the ability to handle different car philosophies, something Perez has struggled with.

If Red Bull wants a driver who can quickly adjust to changes and optimize performance, Lawson is a better long-term investment than Perez.

4. Mental Toughness and Resilience

Checo Perez: Cracks Under Pressure

Perez has shown moments of mental weakness when the pressure increases.

• Public Frustrations: He has openly admitted that he struggles with confidence when results aren’t going his way.
• Collapses in the Title Fight: In early 2023, he attempted to challenge Verstappen for the championship but quickly lost form, allowing Verstappen to dominate.

Liam Lawson: Hungry and Determined

As a young driver, Lawson is still building his mental resilience, but early signs suggest he has the hunger and determination that Red Bull demands.

• No Fear of Big Names: He doesn’t appear intimidated by racing against F1’s top stars, a trait needed to survive at Red Bull.
• Proven Ability to Handle Pressure: Despite being a last-minute substitute in F1, he delivered results without showing signs of nervousness.

If Red Bull wants a driver with stronger mental fortitude, Lawson might be better equipped to handle the intense pressure of a top F1 team.

5. Long-Term Potential: Who Fits Red Bull’s Future Better?

Red Bull has a history of developing young talents into world-class drivers.

• Perez is aging and is unlikely to be a long-term solution for Red Bull.
• Lawson is young, ambitious, and still improving, making him a potential future star.

With Red Bull always looking toward the future, it makes sense to invest in a young driver like Lawson rather than continue with an aging Perez.

Final Verdict: Should Red Bull Replace Perez with Lawson?

While Perez has experience, strategic intelligence, and race craft, his inconsistent qualifying, struggles with car adaptability, and mental fragility make him vulnerable.

Liam Lawson, on the other hand, has raw speed, adaptability, and the hunger of a future champion. His ability to quickly learn and compete against the best makes him a serious contender for Perez’s seat.

Red Bull’s decision will depend on whether they prioritize short-term stability or long-term potential. If they want immediate consistency, they may stick with Perez for now. But if they’re planning for the future, Liam Lawson is clearly the stronger and more talented option.