Liam Lawson, a 22-year-old Formula One driver from New Zealand, will race alongside four-time world champion Max Verstappen for Red Bull Racing in the 2025 season.
Lawson’s promotion comes after two years with Red Bull’s sister team and replaces Sergio Perez, who finished eighth in the 2024 driver standings. Lawson shared his excitement, saying, “I still can’t really believe it – I’m just excited.”
The call confirming Lawson’s spot came from Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, who welcomed him to the team. Lawson shared the news first with his father, Jared, whose support and encouragement had a big impact on his racing journey. “He was very emotional, which I’ve never really seen before,” Lawson said.
Lawson acknowledged the challenges ahead, including the opportunity to learn from Verstappen, who won his fourth consecutive world championship in 2024. “As Formula One drivers, we all have one goal, and that’s to win a World Championship. I don’t expect to come in and win straight away, but I’m here to help the team win the constructors,” he explained.
Despite some social media criticism from fans who believed teammate Yuki Tsunoda deserved the Red Bull seat, Lawson remains focused. “Everyone can have their own opinion, but I’m just focused on my job,” he said.
Lawson is returning to New Zealand for Christmas before pre-season testing begins at Silverstone, UK, in January. Reflecting on New Zealand’s F1 legacy, Lawson expressed pride in following the footsteps of Kiwi legends like Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme. He also thanked his supporters back home, saying, “I hope to carry forward our history in Formula One.”
