Marko: Lawson “will definitely be in one of our cars next year”

Comments made by Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko reveal a full-time drive with Red Bull or RB is on the cards for New Zealander Liam Lawson.

Speaking with Austrian paper Kleine Zeitung, Marko reiterated that an announcement on Lawson’s future would be made in September. He added the Kiwi “will definitely be in one of our cars next year.”

With Sergio Perez, Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda all on contract for the 2025 campaign, Australian Daniel Ricciardo seems to be the likely driver to miss out.

The Australian was questioned on Marko’s comments and stated, “I still know that performance is my best friend.”

He later added, “It’s up to me, and I know there is always pressure and there is the Red Bull system, but I know if I do the job then I will have a seat. I’ll have somewhere to race.

“I’ve been very targeted on the Red Bull family and staying here, so I haven’t allowed myself to think of other opportunities or teams. You can say, in a way, it’s very narrow-minded, but it’s where I am and where I feel I want to be.”

Ricciardo also praised Lawson and recognised him as worthy of a seat after the Kiwi filled in for him at Zandvoort and the four following events last season.

“Speaking of Liam, obviously, I got to see him drive the car last year, and I do think he did a great job,” Ricciardo said.

“I do think he is worthy of a seat on the grid.

“In a way, I’m happy for him. If he’s guaranteed a seat next year, then I think that’s good because he is a deserving driver.

“Then what does that mean for me? As I said, it is probably a little bit unknown, but if I perform, then they’ll find a spot for me somewhere.”

Ricciardo is a potential candidate to replace Perez at Red Bull should the Mexican’s form not improve over the second half of 2024.