Red Bull Racing has confirmed that Liam Lawson will join Max Verstappen as the team’s official drivers for the 2025 Formula 1 season, replacing Sergio Perez following his departure from the team. Lawson, the talented New Zealander, has earned his place after a series of impressive performances as a stand-in for Daniel Ricciardo in both 2023 and 2024.
The announcement comes after Perez and Red Bull agreed to part ways, with the Mexican driver leaving the team despite having two years left on his contract. Red Bull then narrowed down their options for a replacement to either Lawson or Yuki Tsunoda, with the team ultimately opting to promote Lawson.
Lawson made his mark during two super-sub stints with Red Bull’s sister team, first replacing Ricciardo for five races towards the end of 2023 and later filling in again for Ricciardo from the United States Grand Prix onwards in 2024. His performances were pivotal in demonstrating his potential to race alongside Max Verstappen, one of the sport’s most successful drivers.
“I am incredibly excited to be announced as an Oracle Red Bull Racing driver for 2025,” said Lawson. “This is a lifelong dream for me, something I’ve been working toward since I was eight years old. The journey has been incredible, and I want to thank the entire team at VCARB for their unwavering support. The last six races have been crucial in preparing me for this next step in my career.”
Lawson continued, “A huge thank you to Christian Horner and Helmut Marko for believing in me and offering me this amazing opportunity. I’m thrilled to work alongside Max Verstappen and learn from a World Champion. I have no doubt that I will grow and improve under his guidance. I can’t wait to get started.”
Christian Horner, Team Principal at Red Bull Racing, expressed his confidence in Lawson’s ability, saying, “We are delighted to welcome Liam Lawson to the team for 2025. His performances in the past two stints with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls have shown that he is not only capable of delivering strong results but also has the mentality of a true racer, unafraid to challenge the best and come out on top.”
Horner continued, “His promotion follows the legacy of drivers like Sebastian Vettel and, of course, Max Verstappen, who have come through our Junior Programme. Racing alongside Max, one of the greatest drivers F1 has ever seen, is no small task, but I am confident Liam will rise to the occasion and deliver outstanding results for us next year.”
The announcement of Lawson’s seat now leaves just one remaining spot on the grid for the 2025 season, with Isack Hadjar, the Formula 2 runner-up, emerging as the frontrunner to secure the second Red Bull seat alongside Tsunoda.
