Red Bull Racing has officially announced that Liam Lawson will be stepping into the role of Max Verstappen’s teammate for the 2025 F1 season, replacing Sergio Perez.
This decision comes after a tumultuous year for Perez who struggled to maintain competitive performance alongside Verstappen ultimately leading to his departure from the team.
The confirmation of Liam Lawson’s promotion was made on December 19, 2024, just one day after Perez confirmed his exit from Red Bull, which had been a significant point of speculation in the F1 community.
Liam Lawson, a 22-year-old driver from New Zealand, has been part of Red Bull’s junior program since 2019 following a successful stint in the Toyota Racing Series, and later progressed through Formula 3 and Formula 2 ranks before making his way into Formula 1.
The Kiwi made his debut in 2023 F1 as a substitute for the injured Daniel Ricciardo and returned to race for Racing Bulls in the latter part of the 2024 season after Ricciardo was dropped.
Over the two years, Liam Lawson has participated in a total of 11 races finishing in the points three times with a best result of ninth place. His performances particularly during challenging conditions such as the wet Sao Paulo GP where he qualified fifth showcased his ability to handle pressure and deliver competitive results.
In his statement following the announcement, Lawson expressed immense gratitude and excitement about joining Red Bull Racing as well as being Max Verstappen’s teammate.
“To be announced as an Oracle Red Bull Racing driver is a lifelong dream for me,” said Lawson. “This is something I’ve wanted and worked towards since I was eight years old. It’s been an incredible journey so far.
“I want to say a massive thank you to the whole team at VCARB for their support, the last six races have played a huge part in my preparation for this next step. I also want to thank, Christian Horner, Helmut Marko and the whole Red Bull family for believing in me and giving me this opportunity.
“I am super excited to work alongside Max and learn from a World Champion, I have no doubt I will learn from his expertise. I can’t wait to get going!” he added enthusiastically.
Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner highlighted Lawson’s capabilities and potential during his time with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls.
“I’m delighted to announce that Liam Lawson will join the team in 2025,“ Horner said. “Liam’s performances over the course of his two stints with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls have demonstrated that he’s not only capable of delivering strong results but that he’s also a real racer, not afraid to mix it with the best and come out on top.
“His arrival continues the Team’s long history of promoting from within the Red Bull Junior Programme and he follows in the footsteps of championship and race-winning drivers such as Sebastian Vettel and of course, Max Verstappen.
“There’s no doubt that becoming Max Verstappen’s teammate, a four-time champion and undoubtedly one of the greatest drivers ever seen in F1, is a daunting task, but I’m sure Liam can rise to that challenge and deliver some outstanding results for us in 2025 F1 season.”
However, the decision to promote Liam Lawson over Yuki Tsunoda, who has been with VCARB since 2021 and has more experience in Formula 1, raised eyebrows among fans and analysts.
READ ALSO: Fans slam Liam Lawson’s promotion as reports of Perez replacement cause uproar
Despite Tsunoda’s longer tenure and leadership role within the sister team, Horner explained that Red Bull felt Lawson exhibited greater potential to handle the pressures associated with being Verstappen’s teammate.
As Lawson prepares for this new chapter in his career, there are high expectations not only for him but also for Red Bull as they aim to reclaim their position at the top.
The 2025 F1 season will mark his first full campaign with the senior team and the opening Australian Grand Prix on March 16, 2025 will be a race that holds personal significance for him as it takes place close to home.
Looking ahead, there is speculation regarding who will fill Liam Lawson’s previous seat at Visa Cash App Racing Bulls. Isack Hadjar, who finished as runner-up in Formula 2 this year and is also part of Red Bull’s junior program, is considered a strong candidate for promotion alongside Yuki Tsunoda.
