Breaking: Lawson REPLACES Perez at Red Bull for 2025…More
Lawson REPLACES Perez at Red Bull for 2025
Liam Lawson has been promoted to Red Bull Racing, replacing Sergio Perez following a disappointing season for the Mexican driver.
The announcement came a day after Red Bull and Perez mutually agreed to terminate his contract.
Lawson, 22, steps into a full-time Formula 1 role after 11 races over two seasons with the junior Racing Bulls team.
Despite not consistently outperforming teammate Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull favored Lawson for the seat.
Team principal Christian Horner highlighted Lawson’s strong performances and racing spirit, describing him as fearless and capable of competing with the best.
Horner acknowledged the challenge of racing alongside Max Verstappen, a four-time world champion, but expressed confidence in Lawson’s potential to deliver exceptional results.
Lawson debuted in F1 at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix, filling in for Daniel Ricciardo after the latter sustained a hand injury.
He impressed with a 10th-place finish in Singapore, his third race, and added two more points finishes with ninth places at the U.S. and Sao Paulo Grands Prix.
Notably, Lawson battled Fernando Alonso in Austin and had a combative duel with Perez in Mexico, showcasing his determination.
While Lawson’s qualifying performances against Tsunoda were mixed—out-qualifying him only twice since returning to Racing Bulls—Red Bull has long been unconvinced of Tsunoda’s suitability for the senior team.
Lawson’s strong drive and steady improvements solidified Red Bull’s decision.
His performance in the post-season Abu Dhabi test further confirmed his potential.
Perez’s departure follows a pattern at Red Bull, where teammates of Verstappen—such as Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon—have struggled to meet the team’s high expectations.
Lawson becomes Verstappen’s fourth teammate since Daniel Ricciardo’s departure in 2018.
Lawson expressed his excitement, calling the opportunity a “lifelong dream.”
He looks forward to learning from Verstappen and contributing to the team’s success in 2024.
Lawson’s promotion underscores Red Bull’s focus on cultivating young talent capable of thriving alongside Verstappen, who remains the benchmark in F1.
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