The Formula 1 paddock is ablaze with confirmation that Sergio Pérez will exit Red Bull Racing after the 2024 season. Taking his coveted seat alongside four-time world champion Max Verstappen will be the rising star and Red Bull reserve driver, Liam Lawson. Meanwhile, Yuki Tsunoda is set to retain his spot with AlphaTauri (soon to be renamed as Red Bull’s sister team).
💣 Red Bull’s Bombshell Driver Shakeup: What We Know
The 2024 Formula 1 season has been a rocky road for Sergio Pérez, with the Mexican driver struggling to meet expectations alongside the relentless dominance of Max Verstappen. Despite Pérez’s insistence that his 2025 contract was secure, internal speculation has come to fruition: Pérez is out.
In his place, Red Bull is promoting Liam Lawson, a driver who has impressed with consistent performances during his substitute appearances in F1. Helmut Marko had hinted at Lawson’s promotion earlier this year, and now the Kiwi is set to join the big league full-time.
🚗 Red Bull Racing 2025 Driver Lineup:
- Max Verstappen: The Dutch juggernaut and four-time F1 World Champion.
- Liam Lawson: The young sensation stepping up to prove his worth.
🚗 AlphaTauri 2025 Driver Lineup:
- Yuki Tsunoda: Retaining his seat as the rising Japanese star with Red Bull’s confidence.
- Second Seat TBD: Speculation continues on who will partner Tsunoda.
🏎️ The Rise of Liam Lawson
Liam Lawson’s journey to a Red Bull seat has been one of calculated brilliance. The New Zealand driver made waves as a super-sub in 2023, earning widespread praise for his calm demeanor under pressure and adaptability across multiple circuits. With Helmut Marko confirming Lawson’s trajectory, this move signals Red Bull’s faith in nurturing their young talents.
Marko previously stated:
“Liam Lawson has proven his capabilities, and his future lies in Formula 1. He will have a full-time seat by 2025.”
🔥 Yuki Tsunoda: Solidifying His AlphaTauri Presence
While the spotlight is on Lawson’s promotion, Yuki Tsunoda’s retention at AlphaTauri is also significant. Tsunoda has shown growth, outscoring his teammates and adapting well to Red Bull’s developmental ecosystem. With Honda leaving for Aston Martin in 2026, Tsunoda’s presence signals continuity for the team as they navigate the changing sponsorship dynamics.
