The question before the first installment of F1 Court? With the announcement that Sergio Pérez is out at Red Bull, and Liam Lawson is in, was Lawson the right call for Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen?

Once healed, Ricciardo rejoined and finished the 2023 season alongside teammate Tsunoda, and they formed this year’s lineup for the rebranded RB. It left Lawson, now 22, on the sidelines again, with five grands prix under his belt. As Red Bull’s reserve driver, the New Zealander was at the race weekends and following along from the garage.

With Sergio Perez out at Red Bull, Liam Lawson has been promoted to the team alongside champion Max Verstappen.