The Red Bull decision has been made—Max Verstappen’s Bahrain teammate at Sakhir has been confirmed! But what’s the real shock? Liam Lawson’s future takes a surprising turn after the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix. Did Red Bull make the right decision…

The Formula 1 world is buzzing with tension, speculation, and a growing sense of disbelief. After weeks of cryptic interviews and secretive team meetings, Red Bull Racing has finally confirmed Max Verstappen’s teammate for the 2025 season. The announcement came just hours after the dust settled at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Sakhir—but instead of clarity, it has ignited controversy, confusion, and questions about the team’s long-term vision.

While many expected a bold change, especially with rising star Liam Lawson waiting in the wings, Red Bull’s choice has shocked fans and divided the paddock.

The Announcement: Who’s Teaming Up With Verstappen in 2025?

In a press release issued immediately after the 2025 Bahrain GP, Red Bull confirmed that Sergio “Checo” Perez will retain his seat as Verstappen’s teammate through the rest of the season. Team Principal Christian Horner said the decision was made based on “stability, consistency, and proven synergy with Max.”

However, the announcement didn’t land as smoothly as Red Bull might have hoped. Perez’s recent performances—though dependable—have lacked the edge and aggression many feel the second Red Bull seat demands. While he delivered a solid P4 finish in Bahrain, it was far from the kind of drive that cements long-term faith.

Meanwhile, all eyes turned to Liam Lawson, the fan favorite and reserve driver who many had pegged as next in line. Fans and pundits alike had anticipated his promotion after standout performances in 2024. But Red Bull’s choice left Lawson on the sidelines, continuing his role as a backup driver.

Liam Lawson Left in Limbo: What Happened?

The biggest shock wasn’t that Perez kept his seat. It was that Liam Lawson was overlooked—again.

Lawson impressed fans and critics alike with his substitute performances in 2024, especially when he stepped in for the injured Daniel Ricciardo. Cool under pressure, lightning-fast in qualifying, and calculated in wheel-to-wheel racing, Lawson seemed tailor-made for a Red Bull promotion.

Yet, Red Bull’s announcement made no mention of him—only a vague reference to Lawson “continuing to play a valuable role in the team’s development efforts.”

This left fans in disbelief. The young driver has proven his capabilities, yet Red Bull chose to keep him away from the race seats. Liam Lawson was offered a multi-year simulator and development contract, but no guaranteed race seat. This is a move that has sparked confusion and frustration across the F1 fanbase.

Insiders have since revealed that another Red Bull-affiliated team, like RB Racing (formerly AlphaTauri), may not have room for him either. This only raises further questions about Red Bull’s plans for their rising star.

Why This Decision Is Sparking Controversy

Red Bull’s decision to keep Perez over promoting Lawson has stirred debate over the team’s real priorities. Are they chasing performance? Or preserving harmony?

Perez is often viewed as a reliable #2 who won’t challenge Verstappen’s dominance. While that’s strategically sound for team stability, it stifles opportunities for rising stars. In contrast, Lawson represents bold potential—a driver who could push Max, elevate competition, and possibly reshape Red Bull’s long-term driver strategy.

Even former world champion Jenson Button weighed in: in:“Liam Lawson should be racing in 2025. Full stop. The kid has done everything right. If Red Bull doesn’t use him, someone else will.”

Behind the scenes, there are rumors that Max Verstappen himself may prefer the consistency of Perez, valuing a teammate who supports his title campaigns rather than disrupts them. While Max has often stated that he enjoys the competitive edge of a strong teammate, his actions seem to point toward an aversion to any threat that could jeopardize his dominance.

What’s Next for Liam Lawson?

Liam Lawson’s options now sit on a knife’s edge.

If he remains in the Red Bull system without a clear path forward, there’s a real risk his momentum could stall—just like other promising drivers in the past. But several rival teams are already circling, eager to take advantage of Red Bull’s reluctance to promote Lawson.

Sources inside Williams and Sauber-Audi have reportedly expressed interest in Lawson, especially with major lineup changes expected ahead of the 2026 regulation overhaul. Teams like these could offer him the seat he deserves and potentially secure a long-term future in Formula 1.

It’s clear that if Red Bull won’t give him a seat, someone else will—and Red Bull may regret letting him go when Lawson starts racking up podiums for a rival team.

Strategic Move or Missed Opportunity?

With the Constructors’ Championship tighter than ever and F1 entering a new era of hyper-competitive development, Red Bull’s decision could either prove masterful—or massively shortsighted.

Perez’s loyal consistency might offer a dependable cushion in the Constructors’ fight, but it’s also a clear limitation to Red Bull’s ambition to dominate beyond Verstappen. Perez’s job seems clear: support Max in the title fight. However, this leaves Liam Lawson stuck in a development role, a situation that may not be sustainable for his career in the long run.

As journalist Will Buxton put it, it:“Sometimes in F1, the most dangerous thing isn’t a rival. It’s a bad decision that looks smart today—but haunts you tomorrow.”

The bigger question remains: Will Red Bull regret not taking a chance on Liam Lawson now, especially when the clock is ticking down to 2026?

The 2025 Season Just Got Personal

Red Bull may have made their decision, but the real story is only beginning. The 2025 F1 season won’t just be a battle of speed and strategy—it will be a battle of narratives. Every race Perez runs will be judged not just on points, but on whether he’s keeping Lawson’s seat warm—or taking it for granted.

Meanwhile, Liam Lawson’s every move will be watched with intense interest. Whether it’s a surprise mid-season switch, a contract with a rival team, or a shock entry into 2026, one thing is certain:

This story is far from over.