Red Bull Racing has officially announced Liam Lawson as Max Verstappen’s teammate for the 2025 Formula 1 season. The 22-year-old New Zealander will be stepping up from Red Bull’s junior team, replacing Sergio Perez, whose departure was confirmed just hours before the announcement. This decision follows Lawson’s impressive performances in recent Formula 1 races, filling in for the injured Daniel Ricciardo. His promotion marks a significant milestone in his career and signifies Red Bull’s continued commitment to fostering young talent within their junior program.
Lawson’s journey to Formula 1 has been one of dedication and perseverance. Having dreamt of this moment since the age of eight, he’s consistently impressed team leaders, earning the opportunity to race alongside a four-time world champion. While he has not yet achieved a podium finish, he demonstrated notable skill and potential during his previous appearances, including an impressive fifth qualifying position at this year’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix in wet conditions. The team, which finished behind Ferrari and McLaren in 2024, sees Lawson’s arrival as a chance to reinvigorate the team.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner praised Lawson’s racing skills and mental fortitude, emphasizing his ability to compete against top drivers. Horner believes Lawson’s competitive spirit and resilience will be vital in facing the considerable challenge of racing alongside Verstappen, one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history. The team views Lawson’s promotion as a continuation of Red Bull’s successful track record of promoting young drivers from within their junior program, a legacy exemplified by previous champions like Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen himself.
The announcement has sparked discussion, particularly concerning the choice of Lawson over his former teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, who outqualified him throughout the season. Sky Sports’ Craig Slater suggests that Lawson’s mental strength and overall attitude were deciding factors. Lawson’s personal sacrifices, including relocating to Europe from New Zealand at age 16 to pursue his career, highlight his commitment and determination, traits that were undoubtedly attractive to Red Bull’s leadership.
Lawson’s Formula 1 debut will be at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in March 2025, adding another layer of excitement to an already anticipated event. The announcement comes as Formula 1 enjoys a surge in global popularity, making this news a major topic of discussion among fans and analysts. The selection of Lawson is also expected to impact the upcoming driver market, raising anticipation for upcoming announcements, especially concerning the future of the RB team’s vacant seat. Experts speculate that Isack Hadjar, another Red Bull junior driver, is the frontrunner for this position. This upcoming season is poised to be highly competitive, with Lawson facing a steep learning curve alongside Verstappen, but also offering a fresh perspective and dynamic within the Red Bull team.
