Sensationally Gripping: Daniel Ricciardo “the slight favourite” over Liam Lawson for 2025 RB F1 drive

Sensationally Gripping: Daniel Ricciardo “the slight favourite” over Liam Lawson for 2025 RB F1 drive –

The Battle for the 2025 Red Bull Seat

As the 2024 Formula 1 season unfolds, Red Bull Racing (RB) faces a critical decision for the 2025 campaign: whether to retain the experienced Daniel Ricciardo or promote the promising talent of Liam Lawson as Yuki Tsunoda’s teammate.

Tsunoda’s Contract Extension

On Saturday at the Canadian Grand Prix, RB announced they had exercised an option to keep Yuki Tsunoda at the team for 2025. “Yuki Tsunoda has shown enormous progress,” the team stated, justifying the Japanese driver’s contract extension.

The Contenders

Daniel Ricciardo (Australia) and Liam Lawson (New Zealand), both currently driving for AlphaTauri, Red Bull’s junior team, have emerged as the primary contenders for the coveted 2025 RB seat.

Ricciardo’s Advantage: Experience and Marketability

Despite his underwhelming on-track performances, Daniel Ricciardo’s experience and marketability make him the “slight favourite” for the RB drive, according to Sky Sports F1’s Craig Slater. “I am hearing Ricciardo is maybe the slight favourite at the moment,” Slater revealed.

Lawson’s Impressive Stint

While Ricciardo struggled to match Tsunoda’s performances in 2024, Liam Lawson impressed during his short stand-in stint for RB when Ricciardo was injured last year, making a strong case for his promotion.

Red Bull’s Backing for Ricciardo

According to various reports, Ricciardo enjoys the protection of Red Bull boss Christian Horner, which could be a decisive factor in his favor. With no immediate pathway to Red Bull currently open due to Sergio Perez’s contract renewal for the next two years, Ricciardo’s options outside of RB are limited.

Ricciardo’s Resurgence in Canada

Despite his overall struggles, Ricciardo enjoyed a strong weekend in Canada, qualifying fifth and finishing eighth, potentially bolstering his case for the 2025 RB drive.
Expert Opinion: “Ricciardo’s Experience Gives Him the Edge”

“Daniel Ricciardo’s wealth of experience and ability to connect with fans give him the edge over Liam Lawson for the 2025 Red Bull seat,” remarks F1 analyst Martin Brundle. “While Lawson is undoubtedly talented, Ricciardo’s proven track record and marketability make him a valuable asset for the team, both on and off the track.”
Balancing Performance and Marketability3

As Red Bull weighs its options, the decision hinges on striking a balance between on-track performance and commercial considerations. Tsunoda’s impressive form and Lawson’s potential make a compelling case for promoting young talent, while Ricciardo’s experience and global appeal could prove invaluable for the team’s brand and sponsorship efforts.

“As Red Bull weighs its options for the 2025 season, the decision between Daniel Ricciardo and Liam Lawson will shape the team’s future trajectory,” notes motorsport journalist Will Buxton. “Both drivers bring unique strengths to the table, and the ultimate choice will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the team’s on-track performance and global brand presence.”