In a seismic shift for Formula 1, Liam Lawson has been confirmed as Sergio Perez’s replacement at Red Bull Racing for the 2025 season. The announcement, made on Thursday, cements the New Zealander’s place alongside four-time World Champion Max Verstappen in one of the most demanding and high-pressure places in sport.
Perez’s Turbulent Exit Opens Door for Lawson
Sergio Perez’s future with Red Bull had been under scrutiny during a disappointing 2024 campaign. Finishing eighth in the Drivers’ standings and trailing Verstappen by as many as 285 points, the Mexican’s form was widely seen as one of the key reasons for the collapse of Red Bull to third place in the Constructors’ standings. After a joint announcement on Wednesday, Perez and Red Bull confirmed their separation, paving the way for Lawson’s promotion.
Lawson: From Rising Star to Verstappen’s Shoulder
Lawson’s path to Red Bull began with outstanding performances at AlphaTauri in 2023, followed by a strong return with the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls (VCARB) in 2024. His consistent results and daredevil driving style have earned him earned the place over other candidates, including his AlphaTauri teammate Yuki Tsunoda.
“Being announced as an Oracle Red Bull Racing driver is a lifelong dream of mine,” Lawson said. “I’m super excited to work alongside Max and learn from a World Champion. I have no doubt that I will gain valuable knowledge from his experience.”
Christian Horner Supports Lawson’s Potential
Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner praised Lawson’s ability to rise to challenges during his F1 experiences, highlighting his readiness for the senior seat.
“Liam’s performances showed that not only is he capable of achieving solid results, but also that he is a real driver, not afraid to compete with the best,” Horner said. “His arrival continues Red Bull’s tradition of promoting from within the Junior Programme, following in the footsteps of drivers such as Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen.”
The Futura Task: Closing the Gap
Lawson’s arrival comes at a critical time for Red Bull. Perez’s disappointing performances in 2024 cost the team tens of millions in premiums, as they dropped to third in the Constructors’ standings. The team now looks to Lawson to bridge the performance gap between Verstappen and Red Bull’s second seat, a challenge that has already led to the exit of many drivers before him.
The pressure of racing next to Verstappen
Sharing a garage with Verstappen is one of the most difficult jobs in motorsport. Lawson becomes the latest in a string of teammates tasked with matching Verstappen’s relentless pace and consistency—a task that has led to the exits of Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon and now Sergio Perez.
“Racing alongside Max, undoubtedly one of the greatest drivers ever seen in F1, is a daunting task,” Horner admitted. “But I’m confident Liam can rise to the challenge and achieve amazing results for us next year.”
Tsunoda Left Waiting
While Lawson’s promotion cements his position as one of F1’s emerging stars, it leaves Yuki Tsunoda in a position of uncertainty. The Japanese driver, despite performing better than Lawson in six out of six qualifying sessions during their time as teammates, was overlooked for the Red Bull seat. Tsunoda will remain at AlphaTauri for a fifth consecutive season, leaving him with limited options to advance further within the Red Bull programme.
Can Lawson make a difference for Red Bull?
Lawson’s promotion signals Red Bull’s commitment to its junior development program, but it also comes with immense expectations. The team is desperate to get back to the top of the Constructors’ standings, and Lawson’s ability to deliver consistent results will be key.
With Verstappen firmly established as the team’s star driver, Lawson faces a double challenge: meeting the high expectations set by Red Bull and also proving he can thrive in Verstappen’s shadow. His bold approach and demonstrated talent suggest he is up for the challenge, but only time will tell whether he can succeed where others have failed.
