Liam Lawson file image© AFP
The New Zealander Liam Lawson will run for Red Bull alongside the world champion Max Verstappen next season after the decision to drop Sergio Perez, confirmed the Formula 1 team on Thursday. Lawson, 22, who joined the Red Bull Junior program five years ago, comes after only 11 Grand Prix on two seasons for the team. The announcement comes one day after Perez declared that he had entered into a dismissal agreement after a disappointing season by the Mexican. He spent four seasons with the team.
“To be announced as an Oracle Red Bull Racing pilot is a dream for me, it’s something I wanted and that I have worked since I was eight,” said Lawson.
“I am super excited to work alongside Max and learn from a world champion, I have no doubt that I will learn from his expertise. I can’t wait to start!”
Lawson, who has won three TOP-10 so far in his nascent F1 career, is involved in the Red Bull Racing Bulls sister team.
“I am delighted to announce that Liam Lawson will join the team in 2025,” said Christian Horner, director of the Red Bull team.
“Liam’s performances during his two relays with racing bulls have shown that he was not only able to provide solid results, but that he is also a real runner, without fear of mixing him with the best and going out in mind.”
Lawson made its F1 debut at the Dutch Grand Prix of 2023 in place of the Daniel Ricciardo injured.
He impressed after replacing Ricciardo on a permanent basis for the last six races of the 2024 season, and was preferred to promote his compatriot RB Yuki Tsunoda in Japan.
“It was an incredible trip so far,” added Lawson.
“I want to say a big thank you to the whole Vcarb team for their support, the last six races played a huge role in my preparation for this next step.”
(This story has not been published by NDTV staff and is automatically generated from a unionized flow.)
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