Liam Lawson joins Max Verstappen at Red Bull in 2025

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From karting to F1: Liam Lawson joins Oracle Red Bull Racing

Liam Lawson's story began in New Zealand, where his passion for motorsport was nurtured by his family. His father, in particular, played a vital role, and Lawson remembers an emotional moment when he announced his promotion to Oracle Red Bull Racing. “He’s been with me since day one,” he said, in an interview, describing his father as a constant source of support and inspiration. “He always made me understand that I could achieve any goal if I worked hard enough to achieve it. Seeing him get emotional about this news was really special, it’s something I’ve never seen before.” This unwavering family support often has a huge impact on him. In a podcast earlier this year, Lawson revealed that his parents even sold their house to fund his racing career. “My parents and siblings sacrificed so much for me to be here. It’s as much their success as mine.”

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From junior program to F1: Liam Lawson's journey

Lawson's journey with Oracle Red Bull Racing began in 2019 when he joined the Red Bull Junior program. A series of impressive performances followed, including his second place in the 2021 DTM series with Red Bull AF Corse. He made his Formula 1 debut with Scuderia AlphaTauri at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix, where he quickly proved his potential by scoring points at the Singapore GP in his second race.

I can't stop smiling…my face hurts because I'm smiling so much!

In 2024, Lawson took on the role of reserve driver for both Red Bull teams while competing for the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls. Outstanding performances, including points finishes at the United States and Singapore Grands Prix, cemented his reputation as a talented and promising driver.

When Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner announced his promotion, Lawson was very enthusiastic. Christian called me and delivered the classic phrase: “Welcome to Red Bull Racing”. Since then, he hasn't stopped smiling: “I couldn't stop, my face hurt because I was smiling so much!”

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Lawson joins Verstappen at Red Bull Racing for 2025

Joining forces with Max Verstappen, one of Formula 1's greatest drivers, is both a privilege and a challenge that Lawson intends to take on. “I have the best teammate to learn from,” Lawson said. “Max has been very supportive over the years, even when I was a reserve pilot and felt the pressure. There is no one better to learn from, and I look forward to working alongside him and contributing to the success of the team.”

Although Lawson acknowledges the difficulty of immediately competing for a championship, his long-term goals remain clear. “Every driver's dream is to win a world championship, and that has been my goal since I was a child. But for now, I'm focused on helping the team win the Constructors' Championship and become competitive as quickly as possible. »

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Lawson ready to make his mark in Formula 1

Oracle Red Bull Racing team principal Horner expressed confidence in Lawson's abilities, highlighting his tenacity and ability to adapt on the track. “Liam’s performances with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls have shown that he is not only capable of achieving results, but is not afraid to take on the best. His promotion reflects Red Bull’s commitment to developing talent within our junior program.”

I've been working towards this since I was eight years old.

As Lawson prepares for 2025, he carries with him the dreams of his family, the hopes of his home country and the lessons learned during his rise. With Red Bull Racing, he has the tools, mentorship and determination to make his mark on the F1 circuit. “I’ve been working for this since I was eight years old,” Lawson said. “It’s a dream come true, but it’s only the beginning. I can't wait to get started. »

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