Liam Lawson has officially been announced as the new Red Bull Racing driver for the upcoming Formula One season, stepping in to replace Sergio Perez.
At just 22 years old, this opportunity marks a significant milestone in Lawson’s career, fulfilling what he describes as a “lifelong dream.”
The New Zealander’s promotion, confirmed on Thursday, pairs him with the formidable Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion and a dominant force in Formula One.
This news comes hot on the heels of Red Bull’s announcement on Wednesday that Perez would be leaving the team, clearing the path for Lawson’s elevation.
Climbing the Red Bull Ranks
Lawson’s journey to this achievement has been nothing short of remarkable.
After four years of dedicated effort in Red Bull’s junior program, he now finds himself at the pinnacle of motorsport.
His first taste of Formula One came with AlphaTauri last season, where he stood in for an injured Daniel Ricciardo during the Dutch Grand Prix.
Lawson quickly made his mark, scoring his first F1 points in the Singapore Grand Prix shortly thereafter.
In 2023, Lawson transitioned into a permanent role with AlphaTauri, delivering a commendable ninth-place finish at the United States Grand Prix.
Over the course of his debut season, he competed in 11 races, consistently showcasing his potential and earning his spot in the main Red Bull team.
A Dream Realized
Reflecting on his promotion, Lawson expressed his excitement and gratitude: “This is a lifelong dream for me—it’s something I’ve wanted and worked towards since I was eight years old.
I’m super excited to work alongside Max and learn from a world champion. I can’t wait to get going.”
Working alongside Verstappen is no small feat.
The four-time world champion is widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers in Formula One history, making this partnership both an incredible opportunity and a formidable challenge.
Praise from the Top
Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, spoke highly of Lawson’s abilities: “Liam has demonstrated that he is not only capable of delivering strong results but that he’s also a real racer, not afraid to mix it with the best and come out on top.
There’s no doubt that racing alongside Max is a daunting task, but I’m confident Liam will rise to the challenge and deliver outstanding results for us next year.”
What Lies Ahead
As Lawson prepares for the 2025 season, all eyes will be on how he performs alongside Verstappen in one of the most competitive environments in motorsport.
With his talent, determination, and the support of a top-tier team, Lawson seems poised to make a significant impact in Formula One.