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Change continues to sweep through Formula 1, and the latest announcement from Red Bull Racing set the motorsport world abuzz. Liam Lawson will join Red Bull Racing team in 2025, replacing Sergio Perez. The 23-year-old Kiwi will partner with four-time World Champion Max Verstappen. This will make Lawson the latest talent to graduate from the Red Bull driver development pipeline.
Lawson’s promotion comes after a second partial stint season with the Visa Cash App Red Bull F1 Team (formerly AlphaTauri), where his performances caught the eye of Red Bull’s management.
Journey to the Big Stage
Lawson’s journey to the Red Bull Racing seat has been nothing short of meteoric. The New Zealander first broke onto the Formula 1 scene as a reserve driver, standing in for Daniel Ricciardo at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix. Lawson made an immediate impression, showcasing maturity and finishing in the points on multiple occasions during his substitute appearances.
His 2024 season with Red Bull’s sister team cemented his reputation as a future star. Lawson consistently outperformed expectations, earning crucial points in a challenging midfield car. His ability to extract the maximum from the machinery made him a standout in a competitive field.
Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner expressed his confidence in Lawson, saying:
“Liam’s performances over the course of his two stints with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls have demonstrated that he’s 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.”
Why Lawson?
Red Bull’s decision to promote Lawson was influenced by several key factors:
- Raw Talent and Racecraft: Lawson has demonstrated exceptional racecraft, whether it’s battling wheel-to-wheel or managing his tires during long stints. His overtakes in pressure situations have drawn comparisons to seasoned veterans.
- Consistency Under Pressure: In a sport where mental strength is as important as driving ability, Lawson has shown remarkable composure. Despite limited experience in Formula 1 machinery, he has consistently delivered in most of his races.
- Feedback and Development: Red Bull places immense importance on a driver’s ability to provide technical feedback, and Lawson has excelled in this area. He played a large role in helping the Visa Cash App RB team develop their car throughout 2024.
- Chemistry with the Team: Lawson’s personality has made him a popular figure within the Red Bull family, this made him a top candidate for promotion.
Red Bull’s Future: Verstappen and Lawson
The pairing of Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson represents a fascinating dynamic. Verstappen, who has dominated the sport in recent years, will undoubtedly serve as a benchmark for Lawson, pushing him to elevate his game.
Horner addressed the dynamic between the two drivers:
“There’s no doubt that racing alongside Max, a four-time champion and undoubtedly one of the greatest drivers ever seen in F1, is a daunting task, but I’m sure Liam can rise to that challenge and deliver some outstanding results for us next year.”
While Verstappen remains the established star, Lawson’s promotion signals Red Bull’s long-term commitment to developing young talent. It will be interesting to see how Lawson adapts to the unique pressure of racing alongside one of the most dominant drivers in Formula 1 history.
What’s Next for Lawson?
As Lawson prepares to step into the Red Bull seat for the 2025 season, expectations will be high. Red Bull is known for its high-performance culture, and the pressure to deliver is immense. However, if Lawson’s performances in the Visa Cash App RB team are any indication, he is prepared for the challenge.
In his first statement following the announcement, Lawson expressed his excitement:
“To be announced as an Oracle Red Bull Racing Driver is a lifelong dream for me, this is something I’ve wanted and worked towards since I was eight years old.”
“It’s been an incredible journey so far. I want to say a massive thank you to the whole team at VCARB for their support, the last six races have played a huge part in my preparation for this next step. I also want to thank, Christian, Helmut and the whole Red Bull family for believing in me and giving me this opportunity.
“I am super excited to work alongside Max and learn from a world champion, I have no doubt I will learn from his expertise. I can’t wait to get going!”
What Lawson’s Promotion Means for F1
Liam Lawson’s rise to Red Bull Racing shows the strength of the Red Bull driver development program, which has produced stars like Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo, and Max Verstappen. It also adds another layer of intrigue to the 2025 season, with fans anticipating how Lawson will fare against the sport’s elite in a top car.
For New Zealand motorsport, Lawson’s promotion is a monumental achievement. He becomes the first Kiwi to race for a top team since Denny Hulme’s championship-winning stint with McLaren in the late 1960s.
The Start of a New Era
As Red Bull Racing turns the page, the team looks to the future with Liam Lawson. The 2025 season promises to be an exciting chapter for both the young Kiwi and the team as they aim to continue their dominance in Formula 1.
For Lawson, the journey is just beginning. All will be watching as he takes his place among the best to drive in a Red Bull seat.
