Kiwi Liam Lawson will step into one of the most challenging roles in Formula One next season, replacing Sergio Perez as Max Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull Racing.
The 22-year-old’s promotion, announced Thursday, follows the earlier confirmation of Perez’s departure. Lawson’s rise has been meteoric, with his Formula One debut at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix as a temporary stand-in for injured Daniel Ricciardo, followed by an impressive stint in the final six races of the season after Ricciardo was dropped.
Reflecting on his achievement, Lawson shared his gratitude and excitement, stating, “To be announced as an Oracle Red Bull Racing Driver is a lifelong dream for me… I can’t wait to get going.”
Team principal Christian Horner praised Lawson as “a real racer” with the skill and determination to take on the sport’s elite. He also highlighted Red Bull’s tradition of nurturing talent through its Junior Programme, comparing Lawson’s journey to that of champions like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen.
While acknowledging the challenge of partnering with a four-time world champion, Horner expressed confidence in Lawson’s ability to rise to the occasion.
