Red Bull confirm Sergio Perez F1 replacement after Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda battle
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Red Bull have announced that Liam Lawson will partner Max Verstappen for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Kiwi driver Lawson has replaced the experienced Sergio Perez, whose departure was confirmed on Wednesday following his hugely disappointing 2024 campaign. Perez's woes in his fourth year with the Milton Keynes-based team meant that Red Bull surrendered their Constructors' Championship title, despite four-time world champion Verstappen winning more races than any other driver.
Lawson, 22, was given a seat on Red Bull's junior team, Visa Cash App RB, in September of this year after F1 fan favourite Daniel Ricciardo was axed. His Japanese team-mate, Yuki Tsunoda, was also in contention to replace 34-year-old Perez but has been overlooked in favour of Lawson.
The New Zealander previously drove for RB while Ricciardo was injured for five races in 2023, beginning with the Dutch Grand Prix before scoring points at his second race in Singapore. Lawson started last season as a reserve driver behind Tsunoda and Ricciardo at RB but now Red Bull have confirmed on that he'll be driving for them next term.
"I'm delighted to announce that Liam Lawson will join the Team in 2025," team principal and Red Bull Racing CEO Christian Horner said. "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.
