Last Updated on December 17 2024, 11:17 am
Liam Lawson to partner Max Verstappen in 2025 after Perez’s difficult season – Sergio Perez’s journey with Red Bull Racing has officially come to an end. After a challenging and inconsistent 2024 season, the Mexican driver’s departure from the team has been confirmed.
His replacement has already been chosen: the young and promising Liam Lawson, who brings with him previous Formula 1 experience and a reputation for fearless racing.
This significant shake-up will see the 22-year-old New Zealander partnering four-time world champion Max Verstappen from the 2025 F1 season, as Red Bull looks to maintain its dominance and stability after an inconsistent constructors’ campaign in 2024.
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A season to forget: Perez’s struggles and Red Bull’s decision
For Sergio Perez, the 2024 season represented a steep decline in performance, making Red Bull’s decision inevitable. Despite surprising the motorsport world with a two-year contract extension in the summer of 2023, Perez’s results fell short of expectations.
Plagued by inconsistency, mistakes and qualifying woes, the 34-year-old has struggled to close the performance gap with Verstappen.
In the 2024 World Championship standings, Perez could only manage an underwhelming eighth place, trailing Verstappen by a staggering 285 points. While Verstappen comfortably maintained his dominance at the top of the table, Perez’s poor performances ultimately affected Red Bull’s push for the Constructors’ title.
The team had to settle for third, falling behind rivals Mercedes and Ferrari – a result unthinkable given Red Bull’s form in previous seasons.
Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has been vocal about the team’s future direction, hinting for months that a change was on the horizon. With Perez unable to provide the desired consistency or complement Verstappen’s relentless performance, Red Bull’s focus has shifted to developing emerging talent within its ranks.
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Enter Liam Lawson: Red Bull’s rising star
Liam Lawson, a product of the Red Bull Junior Team, has long been tipped as an outstanding candidate for a full-time seat in Formula One. Known for his aggressive yet composed driving style, Lawson has steadily earned the confidence of Red Bull’s leadership.
The young New Zealander first burst onto the F1 scene during the 2023 season, when he filled in for the injured Daniel Ricciardo at the Dutch Grand Prix. Driving for Red Bull’s sister team – then AlphaTauri (now VCARB/Racing Bulls) – Lawson impressed fans and pundits alike with his composure, adaptability and overtaking ability.
In his brief six-race stint in 2023, Lawson managed to score four points, demonstrating his ability to compete at the highest level despite limited preparation and experience. His fearless performances made it clear that he had the potential to thrive in Red Bull’s high-pressure environment.
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Why Lawson? Red Bull’s plan for the future
Red Bull has always been known for its aggressive driver development strategy, and Lawson’s promotion fits perfectly with the team’s long-term vision. Helmut Marko made it clear at the end of the 2023 season that Lawson was guaranteed a seat in one of Red Bull’s two teams for 2025. The big question was whether he would remain with the rebranded Racing Bulls team or move up to the senior squad alongside Verstappen.
With Perez’s struggles continuing, Lawson’s steady progress was the deciding factor. Red Bull see the 22-year-old as the perfect complement to Verstappen – someone young, hungry and able to perform under immense pressure. His promotion not only reinforces Red Bull’s development programme, but also marks a shift towards prioritising youthful energy and raw talent alongside their championship-winning star.
Perez’s legacy at Red Bull
Sergio Perez’s departure may come as no surprise, but it does not erase the significant contributions he made during his tenure. Joining Red Bull in 2021 as a replacement for Alex Albon, Perez quickly earned a reputation as a dependable driver who could provide crucial support to Verstappen.
His standout moments included crucial wins at races such as Baku 2021, Singapore 2022 and his remarkable pole position at Saudi Arabia 2023. Perez was also instrumental in Verstappen’s early title challenges, often playing a team-oriented role by holding off rivals and securing vital points.
However, as the expectations mounted, Perez’s form began to waver. His inability to keep pace with Verstappen in qualifying, combined with race-day mistakes, exposed weaknesses that Red Bull could no longer ignore. Despite the mutual respect between Perez and the team, a clean break was needed for Red Bull to move forward.
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The challenges ahead for Lawson
For Liam Lawson, stepping into Perez’s seat comes with an immense responsibility. The role of Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull is widely regarded as one of the toughest in motorsport. The Dutchman’s dominance means that Lawson will have to perform at an exceptionally high level, while dealing with the pressure of driving for a championship-winning team.
Key expectations for Lawson include:
- – Consistent points finishes: Lawson must deliver consistent results to help Red Bull challenge for the Constructors’ Championship.
- – Challenging Verstappen (strategically): While beating Verstappen outright may not be realistic, Lawson must ensure he’s close enough to provide strategic flexibility during races.
- – Minimise Mistakes: Red Bull have little patience for mistakes and Lawson must adapt quickly to avoid the pitfalls that have plagued his predecessors.
However, Lawson’s impressive performances during his substitute appearances in 2023 suggest he is up to the challenge. His ability to handle the pressure of a mid-season debut, coupled with his confidence and running ability, positions him as a strong candidate for success.
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What comes next for Perez?
Sergio Perez’s departure from Red Bull raises questions about his future in Formula One.
While his departure marks the end of a difficult chapter, Perez remains an experienced driver with multiple race wins to his name. Teams further down the grid may see Perez as an asset who can provide leadership and valuable experience.
Potential options for Perez could include midfield teams such as Haas or Sauber, both of whom could benefit from his expertise as they look to improve. Alternatively, a move outside of F1 – perhaps to other motorsport categories such as IndyCar or endurance racing – cannot be ruled out.
It is also rumoured that Perez will remain with Red Bull as an ‘ambassador’ in a non-racing role.
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Red Bull’s 2025 Vision: A New Beginning
With Liam Lawson’s promotion alongside Max Verstappen, Red Bull enters the 2025 season with renewed ambition and energy. The decision underlines the team’s commitment to nurturing young talent while maintaining a line-up capable of challenging for both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships.
For Lawson, the opportunity is the culmination of years of hard work and determination. For Verstappen, it offers a new dynamic as he looks to extend his reign at the top of Formula One.
As Red Bull closes the chapter on Sergio Perez’s tenure, the stage is set for a new era – one that promises excitement, challenge and, potentially, the emergence of F1’s next great talent.
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With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
Not Red Bull’s wisest choice but Marko was adamant to give Lawson a seat.
That seat should have went to Yuki, not Lawson.
Yuki deserved that seat 100% yuki to AM prove his worth piss redbull off. Horner and marko are a pair of racists bastards i hope the team lose all next yr.
Chekko had a good run… let’s face it trying to stay close to Verstappen already one of the greats, is a daunting challenge… like all the multi world champions, their team mates just look ordinary, but Chekko did well in my opinion…
Toto will be happy that you’ve promoted Mercedes to Team Campions, think of all that hard work at McLaren only to be knocked off right at the end… 😱
Lawson won’t do any better than Checo. Why they didn’t go after Carlos is beyond me. This was a massive mistake.