Red Bull's Silverstone test: crucial for three drivers' futures

Red Bull Racing is set to conduct a private test at Silverstone on Thursday, with reserve driver Liam Lawson taking the wheel of the RB20 for a crucial 200-kilometer run.

This filming day comes at a time of intense speculation surrounding the driver line-ups at both Red Bull teams, potentially impacting the futures of Lawson, Sergio Perez, and Daniel Ricciardo.

The significance of a filming day

While Formula 1 regulations tightly control the running of current machines outside of Grand Prix weekends, teams are allowed two promotional events per year.

These 'filming days' permit 200 kilometers of track time using the current car in a known configuration, with specially supplied Pirelli 'Academy' tyres.

Red Bull's decision to use its second filming day allocation for Lawson's test is notable, especially considering the team did not participate in this week's Pirelli tyre testing at Silverstone.

This choice effectively turns the day into a private, mileage-capped test for the young Kiwi driver.

Evaluating Lawson's performance

While Red Bull and team principal Christian Horner have downplayed the test's importance, industry insiders suggest that Lawson's performance will be closely scrutinized.

The team will likely use estimated time differences between filming day tyres and regular race compounds to gauge Lawson's pace.

"If all of you read too much into these things, I'm actually doing a lap at Silverstone in the RB8 on Thursday as well so you never know,"

Horner joked, before adding,

"In all seriousness, the Liam aero run, it has been planned for a couple of months now."

The Perez factor

The timing of this test coincides with mounting pressure on Sergio Perez, whose recent struggles have highlighted Red Bull's vulnerability in the Constructors' Championship.

The British Grand Prix weekend saw Max Verstappen single-handedly fending off challenges from McLaren and Mercedes, leading Horner to admit that Perez's current form is unsustainable.

"Checo, he's under pressure,"

Horner acknowledged.

"That's normal in Formula 1 and when you're under-delivering, that pressure only mounts and he's aware of that, he knows that."

Ricciardo's resurgence

Adding to the intrigue is Daniel Ricciardo's recent uptick in form at RB.

The Australian has shown signs of returning to his peak abilities, closely matching or beating teammate Yuki Tsunoda's performances.

This improvement has not gone unnoticed by Red Bull management.

The contract conundrum

Performance clauses in both Ricciardo and Perez's contracts could potentially trigger seat changes.

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko hinted at impending decisions, telling Auto Motor und Sport, "We'll know more by the summer break."

Lawson's test performance could play a crucial role in Red Bull's decision-making process.

The team faces several options, including promoting Ricciardo back to the senior team, demoting Perez to RB, or even giving Lawson an immediate Formula 1 seat.

The Future

With Lawson reportedly in talks with Audi for a 2025 seat, and Red Bull's option on him expiring in September, this test takes on added significance.

It could determine whether Red Bull secures Lawson's services for the future or allows him to become a free agent.