Racing Bulls plays down Lawson as Verstappen replacement

Racing Bulls boss Alan Permane has refused to name Liam Lawson as the clear successor to Max Verstappen at Red Bull, insisting the decision belongs to senior team principal Laurent Mekies. With Verstappen yet to officially confirm his plans beyond this season despite a contract through 2028, speculation over his future continues to fuel uncertainty about a potential vacancy at the senior outfit.

Why it matters:

Red Bull has almost exclusively promoted from within its junior ranks, making Racing Bulls drivers the natural heirs to a top seat. Should Verstappen exercise an exit clause reportedly tied to his championship position after the Hungarian Grand Prix, the senior team would likely look internally rather than pursue an external hire such as McLaren's Oscar Piastri.

The details:

• Permane declined to name a specific successor, saying both Lawson and Arvid Lindblad are being groomed for potential promotion. "If and when Laurent needs another driver, he's got one or two to choose from," he said.
• Verstappen's deal includes an exit clause reportedly activatable after the Hungarian Grand Prix if he sits outside the top two in the standings.
• Red Bull has only twice placed a non-junior driver in its senior team: Mark Webber in 2007 and Sergio Perez in 2021.
• Lawson briefly raced for Red Bull last season but was dropped after two Grands Prix, with the team citing mental readiness concerns that Lawson has since publicly rejected.

What's next:

The decision effectively rests with Verstappen as the summer break continues. If he triggers his exit clause or seeks a fresh challenge, Red Bull's preference for homegrown talent keeps both Lawson and Lindblad in the conversation. Until Mekies clarifies his intentions, the grid will remain in the dark over Verstappen's eventual successor.