In a move that cements Red Bull Racing’s commitment to nurturing young talent, Liam Lawson has been officially announced as Sergio Perez’s replacement for the 2025 Formula One season. The New Zealand native, who has steadily risen through the ranks through the Red Bull Junior Programme, will team up with four-time World Champion Max Verstappen in what promises to be a decisive chapter in his career.
Red Bull’s Journey to the Front Line
Liam Lawson’s rise to the top of Formula 1 reflects a career built on perseverance, talent and adaptability. From joining the Red Bull Junior Program in 2019 to making his F1 debut at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix with Scuderia AlphaTauri, Lawson has consistently showcased his potential. Scoring his first points at the Singapore Grand Prix during his rookie season further cemented his reputation as a driver to watch.
In 2024, Lawson returned to the grid with the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls (VCARB), delivering outstanding performances such as his points finish at the United States Grand Prix and commendable driving in Brazil. These displays of resilience and skill ultimately earned him a promotion to Red Bull Racing.
“Being announced as an Oracle Red Bull Racing driver is a lifelong dream of mine,” Lawson said. “This is something I’ve been working on since I was eight years old. I’m super excited to work alongside Max and learn from a World Champion.”
Christian Horner on Lawson’s Potential
Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner expressed his confidence in Lawson’s ability to deal with the pressures of racing alongside Verstappen. Highlighting Lawson’s fearless attitude and impressive racing ability, Horner positioned the 22-year-old as a key part of Red Bull’s future.
“Liam’s performances … showed that not only is he capable of solid results, but that he is also a real runner,” Horner said. “Racing alongside Max… is a tall order, but I’m sure Liam can take on this challenge and achieve outstanding results.”
A Challenging Challenge: Collaborating with Max Verstappen
Lawson’s promotion comes with huge expectations. Joining Red Bull Racing means access to one of the most competitive places in Formula 1, where the benchmark is Verstappen—a driver widely considered one of the greatest of all time. Lawson’s task will be to deliver consistent results, help Red Bull regain the Constructors’ Championship and close the performance gap between Verstappen and the second car.
A Farewell from Visa Cash App Racing Bulls
VCARB, where Lawson has honed his skills over the past year, lauded the young driver’s growth and adaptability.
“Liam has really impressed with his performances, demonstrating resilience, adaptability and growing confidence. While we are sad to see him go, this is an exciting step in his career and a richly deserved promotion,” the team said.
What This Means for Red Bull
Lawson’s promotion continues Red Bull’s tradition of promoting talent within its Junior Programme, following in the footsteps of legends such as Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo. With Red Bull having fallen to third in the Constructors’ standings in 2024, the team is counting on Lawson’s fresh energy and determination to reignite its competitive edge.
Looking Ahead
When Lawson sits in his Red Bull for 2025, the spotlight will be on how he handles the pressures of competing at the pinnacle of motorsport. Can he rise to the challenge and thrive alongside Verstappen, or will the weight of expectations prove too much? One thing is for sure: Liam Lawson’s journey has just begun, and the world will be watching.
