It’s done: Max Verstappen, reigning four-time Formula 1 world champion, will have a new teammate for the 2025 F1 season.
Red Bull has made its decision regarding its second driver for the 2025 F1 season. According to the latest information from the paddock, Liam Lawson will be promoted to the main team to replace Sergio Pérez.
For several days, Helmut Marko, influential advisor to Red Bull, had announced that a decision would be made “in the coming days”. Today, everything indicates that Lawson will take the wheel alongside Verstappen from next season.
Although nothing is official yet, the announcement should come very soon, putting an end to a series that has animated discussions in recent weeks. Once expected to replace Pérez, Yuki Tsunoda will ultimately stay with Racing Bulls. Despite successful post-season testing in Abu Dhabi and good progress praised by his team, the Japanese driver sees his ambitions of joining the parent team fading away, at least for the moment.
Isack Hadjar, third French driver in F1
Young French driver Isack Hadjar, who finished second in the Formula 2 championship, has impressed with his performances this season. Beaten by Gabriel Bortoleto, future Sauber driver, in the title race in Abu Dhabi, this failure will not close the doors of F1 to him however.
Lawson’s promotion to Red Bull alongside Verstappen ensures the Parisian’s tenure in Formula 1 with Racing Bulls in 2025.
Red Bull and Sergio Perez: an inevitable divorce?
Sergio Pérez’s disappointing performances in 2024 have fueled speculation around his future. Throughout the season, his gap with Max Verstappen had widened, creating real doubt about his ability to remain competitive at Red Bull.
A crucial meeting was held this week to decide on his fate: exit the valiant Mexican driver, despite the unwavering support of Verstappen, who was pushing behind the scenes for Pérez to be retained for 2025.
Official confirmation of Lawson’s arrival at Red Bull is expected to come very soon. This choice marks a new stage for the talented New Zealander, who has proven his worth during his opportunities in F1. Meanwhile, Yuki Tsunoda and Isack Hadjar will have to wait to hope to take the step towards the top team.
The saga around the second seat at Red Bull is now soon coming to an end. It remains to be seen what Sergio Pérez’s 2025 season will be made of…
