Formula 1 team Red Bull Racing has just officially confirmed that 22-year-old New Zealander Liam Lawson will become a full-time teammate, lining up alongside four-time world champion Max Verstappen for the 2025 season.
Lawson will race for Red Bull Racing next season.
This announcement came right after the team’s decision to part ways with Sergio Perez after four seasons, marking a fresh new chapter for Red Bull Racing, which is based in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, UK.
For Lawson, this is an extremely important moment in his F1 career. He has delivered promising performances that convinced Red Bull Racing’s management of his potential during two stand-in opportunities with the AlphaTauri/RB team.
Back in 2023, he was called up to replace an injured Daniel Ricciardo and showcased impressive form, including finishing ninth overall at the Singapore Grand Prix. This year, Lawson returned to the cockpit after Ricciardo departed, again impressing with a ninth-place finish at the United States Grand Prix. Despite having limited chances to prove himself, Lawson has cherished every moment.
Red Bull Racing’s CEO Christian Horner expressed his enthusiasm for the decision:
“Liam Lawson’s performances in his two substitute stints have proven that he not only has the ability to deliver strong results but is also a true racer, unafraid to mix it up with the very best and fight for victory.”
“His arrival continues our long tradition of promoting drivers from the Red Bull Junior Program, following in the footsteps of champions and race winners like Sebastian Vettel and, of course, Max Verstappen.”
“There’s no doubt that racing alongside Max — a four-time world champion and arguably one of the greatest drivers F1 has ever seen — will be an incredibly tough challenge, but I am certain Liam can rise to it and deliver some standout results for us next season.”
Lawson himself was also overjoyed with the chance to complete a full-time season for the first time in Red Bull Racing colors:
“Being announced as a Red Bull Racing driver is a lifelong dream come true for me. This is what I’ve aimed for — and worked toward — since I was eight years old,” commented the Kiwi driver.
“Up to this point, it’s been an incredible journey. I want to give my sincere thanks to the entire VCARB (Visa Cash App Racing Bulls) team for their support — these last six races have been hugely important in preparing me for this next step. I also want to thank Christian, Helmut, and the entire Red Bull family for their trust and for giving me this opportunity.”
“I’m incredibly excited to work with Max and to learn from a world champion. I have no doubt I will learn a lot from his expertise. I can’t wait to get started.”
Red Bull has yet to announce who will replace Lawson at RB, but young driver Isak Hadjar — runner-up in this year’s FIA Formula 2 championship — is strongly expected to fill the vacant seat.
