Liam Lawson has been backed to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull next year.
Former F1 team boss Eddie Jordan believes the New Zealander is the “real deal” and should be in Perez’s seat in 2025.
“The person who stood out for me, and I have to be honest again – Lawson is the real deal here,” said Jordan.
“He drove with a lot of pressure, and he knows how to handle himself.
“He has not got the car that Lewis [Hamilton] had. He had not got the car that other people had, but he displayed a level of competence that I was super impressed with.”
He continued: “He’s ready to fly in 2025. Perez, how many chances has he [had]? Do you think he’ll have a drive next year? Not a chance.
“He’s a lovely, lovely, lovely guy. But we know lovely guys don’t win you grands prix.
“Lawson is the deal, he’s part of the family there, part of the make-up, and he should be in. He is the person that should be in that car.”