F1 driver Liam Lawson of New Zealand, 2024. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
New Zealand Formula 1 driver Liam Lawson has received the backing from the father of three-time world champion Max Verstappen.
Jos Verstappen, who raced in F1 for eight years, isn't opposed to Lawson joining his son in the Red Bull team in 2025.
The 22-year-old Kiwi is currently racing for Red Bull's junior team RB, having replaced Australian Daniel Ricciardo for the last six races of the season.
Speculation is growing about the future of Max Verstappen's current team-mate Sergio Perez, who has struggled to be competitive in the second half of the 2024 season.
Lawson is one of a couple of drivers who have been mentioned as a possible replacement for Perez if Red Bull decide to make a change.
Jos Verstappen told Swedish online outlet Viaplay that Max needs a team-mate who is "competitive and pushes" him.
"I think Lawson is doing very well," Verstappen Snr said.
"It seems logical to me that he is ready to step up. Let him finish this season and build confidence and then the team has to decide what they do for next year.
"I certainly don't oppose that (Lawson replacing Perez). It's better if there is someone who is competitive and pushes Max forward a bit. That always helps, but we'll see."
Jos and Max Verstappen. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Lawson has picked up four points since his return, finishing ninth in the US and Brazil.
Perez has a contract with Red Bull for next year, while Lawson doesn't have a contract for 2025.
Lawson and Perez have developed a rivalry on the track in the last couple of weeks with the two bumping each other during the Mexico Grand Prix.
The Mexican let out an expletive about Lawson on the team radio, while Lawson later gave him the 'finger.'
The New Zealander has always talked about his ambition to have a career in Formula 1 and that these six races were important for him at achieve it.
Valterri Bottas, Franco Colapinto, Daniel Ricciardo and Zhou Guanyu are all in a group without a drive for next year, while F2 prospect Isack Hadjar is another that Red Bull could be considering.
Red Bull team boss Christian Horner previously announced that Lawson's RB team-mate Yuki Tsunoda of Japan will have a test with Red Bull after the end of the season.
Red Bull have said any announcement on 2025 drivers won't happen until after the final round in Abu Dhabi in December.