Liam Lawson to Replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull Racing in 2025

Red Bull Racing has announced that 22-year-old New Zealander Liam Lawson will join the team as the teammate of reigning champion Max Verstappen for the 2025 season, taking over the seat left vacant by Sergio Perez. Lawson, currently with Red Bull's junior outfit, Racing Bulls, since 2022, has impressed team officials with his strong results and fearless attitude.

Lawson made his Formula 1 debut in 2023, substituting for Daniel Ricciardo, and scored points in two Grands Prix, showcasing his potential to deliver "outstanding results" alongside Verstappen, according to team principal Christian Horner. Red Bull officials have stated that while Yuki Tsunoda, the current teammate of Lawson in the junior outfit, performed impressively, particularly at the Abu Dhabi test, Lawson's abilities and characteristics make him better suited for the role of Verstappen's teammate. Lawson's mental strength, feistiness, and confidence have been identified as key factors in the team's decision.

Red Bull's decision comes after a thorough evaluation of Lawson's performance, which has been compared favorably to Tsunoda's. Despite Tsunoda's growth in experience and consistent improvement throughout the season, team officials believe that Lawson has a higher potential ceiling and is better equipped to handle the pressures of being a top-tier team's second driver. With no official deal confirmed for Isack Hadjar, who is currently the frontrunner for the remaining seat, Lawson is set to make his debut alongside Verstappen in 2025.

Red Bull's decision to choose Lawson over Tsunoda sends a clear message about the qualities they value most in their drivers, with a focus on raw talent, mental strength, and a fearless attitude. As the team looks to continue its dominance in the Formula 1 world, having Lawson by Verstappen's side could be a significant factor in determining their success in the 2025 season.