Liam Lawson tested in the RB20

Red Bull reserve driver Liam Lawson tested at Silverstone in the RB20, but it was part of an official filming day.

The distance covered during such tests must not exceed 200 km, and the car must be fitted with special Pirelli tyres intended for demonstration runs.

On Thursday, Lawson piloted this year’s Red Bull Racing car around a rain-soaked British circuit – the team didn’t share any official information, but in theory the New Zealand driver could complete up to 33 laps. According to team principal Christian Horner, these tests had been planned for some time, but the conditions were such that they took place at a particularly important time.

Sergio Perez’s results have left much to be desired recently, and although the Mexican has signed a contract for 2025, there are renewed rumours in the paddock that the team could sever relations with him if he wins the two races remaining before the summer break in Hungary and Belgium: he could not have been more convincing.

The world’s racing press is actively discussing scenarios in which Perez’s place could be taken by another Red Bull driver – it is not a given that it will be Lawson. The team has the experienced Daniel Ricciardo and Lawson could become Yuki Tsunoda’s teammate – in this role he already drove five races last season and did well.

The fact is that Perez’s contract would include a condition that he may not lose more than 100 points to Max Verstappen, but at the moment this difference is already 137 points. At the same time, Sergio only occupies 6th place in the personal ranking – in addition to the three-time world champion, he is also ahead of Lando Norris, both Ferrari drivers and Oscar Piastri.

But there is another important point that gave Lawson the opportunity to work on tests: if there are no vacancies at Red Bull Racing and Visa RB, he will try to sign a contract with another team – they say he is already in negotiations with Audi.

Milton Keynes understands this well, so they gave the New Zealand rider the chance to train and at the same time reassessed his potential. According to Speedcafe, Liam’s future career should become clear by the end of September.

Lawson will complete at least one more test drive this year, but this time behind the wheel of the 2022 AlphaTauri, which will of course already be in Visa RB colours. It is expected that these tests will take place after the Belgian leg of the season in Imola.