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 Thursday, cements the New Zealander’s place alongside four-time World Champion Max Verstappen in one of the sport’s most demanding and high-pressure seats.
Perez’s Tumultuous Exit Opens the Door for Lawson
Sergio Perez’s future with Red Bull had been under scrutiny throughout a disappointing 2024 campaign. Finishing eighth in the Drivers’ standings and trailing Verstappen by a staggering 285 points, the Mexican’s form was widely seen as a key reason for Red Bull’s fall to third in the Constructors’ standings. After a joint announcement on Wednesday, Perez and Red Bull confirmed their split, paving the way for Lawson’s promotion.
Lawson: From Rising Star to Verstappen’s Wingman
Lawson’s path to Red Bull began with standout performances at AlphaTauri in 2023, followed by a strong return to the rebranded Visa Cash App Racing Bulls (VCARB) in 2024. His consistent results and fearless driving style earned him the nod over other candidates, including his AlphaTauri teammate Yuki Tsunoda.
“To be announced as an Oracle Red Bull Racing Driver is a lifelong dream for me,” Lawson said. “I’m super excited to work alongside Max and learn from a World Champion. I have no doubt I will gain invaluable knowledge from his expertise.”
Christian Horner Backs Lawson’s Potential
Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner praised Lawson’s ability to rise to the occasion during his stints in F1, emphasizing his readiness for the top-tier seat.
“Liam’s performances have demonstrated that he’s not only capable of delivering strong results but also that he’s a real racer, unafraid to mix it 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 like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen.”
The Task Ahead: Bridging the Gap
Lawson’s arrival comes at a critical juncture for Red Bull. Perez’s underperformance in 2024 cost the team tens of millions in prize money, as they dropped to third in the Constructors’ standings. The team is now looking to Lawson to close the performance gap between Verstappen and the second Red Bull seat, a challenge that has claimed many drivers before him.
The Pressure of Racing Alongside Verstappen
Sharing a garage with Verstappen is one of the toughest assignments in motorsport. Lawson becomes the latest in a line 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 deliver outstanding results for us next year.”
Tsunoda Left Waiting
While Lawson’s promotion solidifies his standing as one of F1’s rising stars, it leaves Yuki Tsunoda in limbo. The Japanese driver, despite outqualifying Lawson in traditional sessions six times to none 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 program.
Can Lawson Deliver 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 return to the top of the Constructors’ standings, and Lawson’s ability to deliver consistent results will be pivotal.
With Verstappen firmly established as the team’s lead driver, Lawson faces a dual challenge: meeting the high expectations set by Red Bull while also proving he can thrive in Verstappen’s shadow. His fearless approach and proven talent suggest he’s up for the challenge, but only time will tell if he can succeed where others have faltered.
