File image of Liam Lawson©AFP
New Zealander Liam Lawson will race for Red Bull alongside world champion Max Verstappen next season following the decision to drop Sergio Perez, the Formula 1 team confirmed on Thursday. Lawson, 22, who joined the Red Bull Junior program five years ago, arrives after just 11 Grands Prix spanning two seasons for the team. The announcement comes a day after Perez said he had reached a severance agreement following a disappointing season for the Mexican. He spent four seasons with the team.
“Being announced as an Oracle Red Bull Racing driver is a lifelong dream for me, it’s something I’ve wanted and worked for since I was eight years old,” Lawson said.
“I’m very excited to work alongside Max and learn from a world champion. I’m confident I will learn from his expertise. I can’t wait to get started!”
Lawson, who has finished in the top 10 three times so far in his fledgling F1 career, takes over at Red Bull’s sister team Racing Bulls.
“I am delighted to announce that Liam Lawson will join the team in 2025,” said Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.
“Liam’s performances during his two spells at Racing Bulls have demonstrated that he is not only capable of delivering good results, but is also a real driver, unafraid to mix with the best and to impose itself.”
Lawson made his F1 debut at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix in place of the injured Daniel Ricciardo.
He impressed after replacing Ricciardo permanently for the final six races of the 2024 season, and was favored for promotion over fellow RB Yuki Tsunoda of Japan.
“It’s been an incredible journey so far,” Lawson added.
“I would like to thank the entire VCARB team for their support. The last six races have played a huge role in my preparation for this next step.”
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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