Last Updated on December 19 2024, 10:49 am
In a move that will reshape Red Bull Racing’s team dynamics, the Formula One powerhouse confirmed on Thursday that Liam Lawson will take over from Sergio Pérez for the 2025 season. The announcement follows Pérez’s official retirement, signalling the end of his tenure with Red Bull Racing after a challenging season.
Lawson, a promising young talent from New Zealand, will now partner four-time world champion Max Verstappen. With a reputation for consistency, resilience and unyielding determination, the young driver has made waves in his limited time on the Formula One grid.
Red Bull’s support for Lawson
Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner expressed his confidence in Lawson’s abilities, highlighting the qualities that earned him the coveted seat.
“Liam’s performances during his two stints 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 go up against the best and win,” said Horner.
Acknowledging the daunting challenge of driving alongside Verstappen, Horner added: “There is no doubt that driving alongside Max – a four-time champion and undoubtedly one of the greatest drivers Formula One has ever seen – is an intimidating task. But I am confident that Liam is up to the challenge and will deliver outstanding results for us next year.”
Horner’s words underline Red Bull’s confidence in Lawson’s ability to thrive in a high-pressure environment that demands both technical prowess and mental strength. The fact remains however, there aren’t really too many other obvious options available to the Red Bull team.
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Lawson’s dream comes true
For Lawson, the announcement is the culmination of a lifelong ambition. The 21-year-old expressed his excitement at joining the main Red Bull Racing team and working alongside Verstappen.
“Becoming a Red Bull Racing driver is a lifelong dream for me. It’s something I’ve wanted and worked towards since I was eight years old,” said Lawson.
“I am really looking forward to working with Max and learning from a world champion. I have no doubt that I will benefit from his expertise. I can’t wait”.
Lawson’s enthusiasm is backed up by his previous experience with the team, where he has consistently demonstrated his potential and earned the respect of both his peers and Red Bull management.
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End of an era for Sergio Pérez
The decision to bring Lawson into the fold comes as Red Bull officially part ways with Sergio Pérez. The Mexican, affectionately known as “Checo”, had been a key figure in the team since joining in 2021. However, his performance in 2024 fell short of expectations and his departure was an open secret in the paddock long before the announcement.
Pérez’s tenure at Red Bull was marked by moments of brilliance, including playing a key supporting role in Verstappen’s championship campaigns, but inconsistencies in recent seasons led to mounting pressure.
“Checo has been an important part of our journey and we thank him for his contributions,” read Red Bull’s statement. While the departure was not unexpected, it marks a significant transition for both the driver and the team.
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Liam Lawson’s journey to the top
Lawson’s rise to the Red Bull Racing team will come as no surprise to those familiar with his career trajectory. After joining the Red Bull Driver Development Programme, he quickly established himself as a versatile and determined competitor.
In 2023, Lawson was thrust into the Formula One spotlight when he stepped in for the injured Daniel Ricciardo at AlphaTauri (now rebranded as VCARB, Red Bull’s sister team).
Despite limited preparation, he delivered consistent and commendable performances, scoring points and demonstrating his adaptability.
One of the most defining moments of Lawson’s career came not on the track, but in his decision-making off it. When Ricciardo was recovering, Lawson willingly stepped aside, respecting the team hierarchy without controversy. That maturity and team-first mentality left a lasting impression on Red Bull’s leadership.
Why Red Bull chose Lawson
Red Bull’s decision to promote Lawson over other potential candidates speaks volumes about their belief in his talent. The New Zealander combines raw speed with tactical intelligence, traits that are essential for success in the fiercely competitive environment of Formula One.
“Liam has proven time and time again that he has what it takes to succeed at the highest level,” said Red Bull Motorsport Advisor Helmut Marko.
“His calm demeanour under pressure and ability to deliver results in challenging situations make him the perfect choice to partner Max.”
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Looking Ahead: The Verstappen-Lawson partnership
As Lawson prepares to join Verstappen, the dynamic within Red Bull Racing is set to evolve. Widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers of his generation, Verstappen has dominated the sport in recent years and set a high standard for his teammates.
Lawson’s role will be multi-faceted – learning from Verstappen while contributing to the team’s championship ambitions. Although Red Bull has historically struggled to maintain parity between its two drivers, Lawson’s arrival signals a potential shift towards nurturing young talent for long-term success.
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Speculation over Lawson’s replacement at VCARB
With Lawson moving up to Red Bull, speculation is rife as to who will take his place at VCARB. The frontrunner appears to be Isack Hadjar, a rising star who recently finished second in the Formula 2 championship. Hadjar’s consistent performances and strong racing pedigree make him a natural choice for the role.
VCARB’s announcement regarding Lawson’s replacement is expected in the coming weeks as the team finalises its line-up for next season.
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A new chapter for Red Bull
Liam Lawson’s promotion to Red Bull Racing marks a pivotal moment in the team’s history. As the organisation bids farewell to Sergio Pérez, it welcomes a new talent ready to make his mark on Formula One.
For Lawson, the opportunity is a dream come true, and for Red Bull it is a calculated gamble that reflects their commitment to nurturing young talent. With Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson at the helm, the team enters 2025 with high hopes of continuing its dominance in the sport.
All eyes will be on the young New Zealander as he takes on the challenge of competing at the pinnacle of motorsport. Whether he can rise to the occasion and deliver on his promise remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – Liam Lawson is ready to compete with the best.
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The world champion made a good start to the Grand Prix taking the lead at the first corner and on a track which is questionable suitable for the huge modern F1 cars, Max retained his lead throughout the race. That said a rampant Norris over the closing 15 laps slashed the 6 second lead to finish just 0.75s behind the winning Red Bull driver…READ MORE ON THIS STORY
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.
