One day after the confirmed separation from Sergio Perez, Red Bull announces his successor: Liam Lawson will be Max Verstappen’s teammate in 2025
Liam Lawson will compete as Max Verstappen’s teammate in Formula 1 for Red Bull next year, as confirmed on Thursday.
Just one day after the Milton Keynes-based team announced that an agreement had been reached to part ways with Sergio Perez, Red Bull confirmed that Red Bull junior Lawson would be promoted next year.
The New Zealander joins Red Bull despite not having previously competed in a full season of Formula 1. In 2023, he was called up to replace the injured Daniel Ricciardo, who had broken his wrist at Zandvoort. Lawson took part in five races, achieving his best result in ninth place in Singapore.
That year, he joined Racing Bulls for the US Grand Prix after the team parted ways with Ricciardo, who had not delivered the hoped-for results. Lawson scored points from the outset with a ninth place in Austin and achieved the same position in the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Welcome to the Team, @LiamLawson30 Stepping up to Oracle Red Bull Racing for 2025 ⬆️
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) December 19, 2024
Although the New Zealander was outscored 2-7 by teammate Yuki Tsunoda in qualifying (6-0 excluding sprint races) and scored fewer points during their time together, Red Bull is convinced he offers more potential – particularly based on his technical feedback and mental attitude.
He particularly impressed the team with his robust defense against Fernando Alonso at the US Grand Prix and his fighting attitude against Perez. The team is convinced that he has the necessary mentality to compete against a rival as tough as Verstappen.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner says of Lawson’s promotion: “Liam’s performances during his two outings with Racing Bulls have shown that he is not only capable of delivering strong results, but is also a true racer who is not afraid to take on the best and come out on top.”
“His rise continues the long tradition of the Red Bull Junior program of developing talent from within its own ranks. He follows in the footsteps of championship and race winners like Sebastian Vettel and, of course, Max Verstappen.
“There is no question that it is an intimidating task to race alongside Max – a four-time champion and undoubtedly one of the greatest drivers Formula One has ever seen. But I am sure that Liam is up to the challenge and will deliver outstanding results for us next year.”
Regarding his promotion to the Red Bull team, Lawson says: “Becoming a driver for Red Bull Racing is a lifelong dream for me. This is something I have wanted and worked towards since I was eight years old.”
“It has been an incredible journey so far. I would like to thank the entire team at Racing Bulls for their support. The last six races were a crucial part of my preparation for this next step.”
“I would also like to thank Christian, Helmut and the entire Red Bull family for believing in me and giving me this chance. I’m super excited to work with Max and learn from a world champion. I have no doubt that I will benefit from his expertise. I can’t wait.”
Racing Bulls have not yet announced who will replace Lawson. It is expected that it will be Isack Hadjar, who came second in Formula 2 this year.
