Liam Lawson, 22, is confirmed as Max Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate for 2025, marking a major step in his rising Formula 1 career.
Red Bull Racing has officially announced Liam Lawson as Max Verstappen’s teammate for the 2025 Formula 1 season, replacing Sergio Perez following the Mexican driver’s confirmed departure. The 22-year-old New Zealander’s promotion solidifies his rapid rise through the Red Bull ranks.
Lawson made his F1 debut at the Dutch Grand Prix in 2023, stepping in for AlphaTauri after Daniel Ricciardo’s hand injury. His strong performance across five races earned him a permanent seat at AlphaTauri for the final six rounds of the 2024 season. Now, he steps into one of the most challenging roles in Formula 1—teammate to four-time champion Max Verstappen, who has outperformed a series of talented drivers in the same machinery.
Reflecting on his promotion, Lawson expressed his gratitude and excitement:
“Becoming a Red Bull Racing driver has been my dream since I was a child. It’s been an incredible journey, and I want to thank everyone at the team, Christian, Helmut, and the entire Red Bull family, for their belief in me. Racing alongside Max is an amazing opportunity to learn from one of the best drivers in the sport, and I’m ready to embrace the challenge.”
Team principal Christian Horner praised Lawson’s resilience and potential:
“Liam has proven his talent and determination during his two stints with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls. His results and fearlessness in battling with top competitors have showcased his readiness for this opportunity. Promoting from within the Red Bull Junior Programme continues our tradition of nurturing exceptional talent, as seen with drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. While racing alongside a champion of Max’s caliber is no easy task, we’re confident Liam will rise to the occasion and deliver impressive results.”
As Lawson prepares for his first full season with Red Bull Racing, fans can anticipate an exciting dynamic between him and Verstappen. However, spare a thought for Yuki Tsunoda, who, despite four years with the Red Bull junior program and consistently solid performances, missed out on the promotion.
With only 11 F1 starts and three points finishes to his name, Lawson faces a steep learning curve. But with the support of Red Bull and a relentless drive to succeed, he’s ready to tackle one of the toughest seats in motorsport.
