Red Bull Racing confirmed on Thursday that Liam Lawson will join Max Verstappen as his teammate in Formula 1 next season.
The announcement comes just a day after the team revealed its decision to part ways with Sergio Perez.
Lawson, a product of the Red Bull junior program, has limited F1 experience, having competed in only two brief stints for AlphaTauri (formerly RB’s sister team) over the past two years.
The 21-year-old New Zealander stepped into the F1 spotlight in 2023 when he replaced an injured Daniel Ricciardo, who broke his wrist during a crash at the Dutch Grand Prix.
Lawson competed in five races that year, achieving a best result of ninth in Singapore.
In 2024, Lawson rejoined Red Bull at the United States Grand Prix following the team’s decision to part ways with Ricciardo, whose performance fell short of expectations.
BREAKING: Liam Lawson to race for Red Bull in 2025 #F1 pic.twitter.com/xOf9w4uPgu
— Formula 1 (@F1) DECEMBER 19, 2024
Lawson impressed immediately, finishing ninth in Austin and repeating the result at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, praised Lawson’s performances during his time with AlphaTauri.
“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,” Horner said.
“His arrival continues the team’s long history of promoting from within the Red Bull junior program, and he follows in the footsteps of championship- and race-winning drivers such as Sebastian Vettel and, of course, Max Verstappen.
“There’s no doubt that racing alongside Max… is a daunting task, but I’m sure Liam can rise to that challenge and deliver some outstanding results for us next year.”
Securing a Red Bull seat fulfils a lifelong dream for Lawson, who has worked toward this opportunity since childhood.
Welcome to the Team, @LiamLawson30 🇳🇿 Stepping up to Oracle Red Bull Racing for 2025 ⬆️
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) DECEMBER 19, 2024
“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,” Lawson shared.
“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 [Marko], 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 can’t wait to get going!”
Red Bull has yet to confirm who will replace Lawson at AlphaTauri, but speculation points to junior driver Isack Hadjar, who competed in the F2 championship this year.
