Oracle Red Bull Racing has officially announced that Liam Lawson will join the team’s driver lineup for the 2025 Formula One season, partnering with four-time World Champion Max Verstappen. Lawson’s promotion marks another significant milestone in the 22-year-old New Zealander’s remarkable rise through the Red Bull talent pipeline, as the team continues its tradition of nurturing future stars.
Lawson, who joined the Red Bull Junior Programme in 2019, has steadily climbed the ranks in motorsport, displaying skill and composure across junior formula competitions. His achievements include finishing second overall in the 2021 DTM championship while racing for Red Bull AF Corse.
He made his Formula One debut during the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix, stepping in for an injured Daniel Ricciardo at Scuderia AlphaTauri. Lawson immediately made an impression, scoring his first championship points at the Singapore Grand Prix in just his second outing. Following a five-race stint with Scuderia AlphaTauri, he became the official Reserve Driver for both Red Bull teams in 2024.
Lawson expressed his gratitude and excitement upon being announced as an Oracle Red Bull Racing driver, reflecting on the hard work that led him to this pivotal moment. “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 said.
He also acknowledged the significance of his previous teams in shaping his career. “I want to say a massive thank you to the whole team at Visa Cash App Racing Bulls 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 (Horner), Helmut (Marko), and the whole Red Bull family for believing in me and giving me this opportunity.”
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Lawson is eager to make the most of this opportunity, particularly the chance to work alongside Verstappen. “I am super excited to work alongside Max and learn from a World Champion. I have no doubt I will gain valuable insights from his expertise. I can’t wait to get going!”
Christian Horner, Team Principal and CEO of Oracle Red Bull Racing, highlighted Lawson’s potential and praised his resilience. “I’m delighted to announce that Liam Lawson will join the Team in 2025. Liam’s performances during 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 also reflected on Red Bull Racing’s legacy of promoting from within. “His arrival continues the Team’s long history of developing talent from the Red Bull Junior Programme, following 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, a four-time champion and one of the greatest drivers in Formula One, is a daunting challenge, but I’m confident Liam will rise to the occasion and deliver some outstanding results for us next year.”
Lawson’s promotion comes as Sergio “Checo” Pérez prepares to part ways with Oracle Red Bull Racing at the conclusion of the 2024 Formula One season. Pérez has been an integral part of the team since joining in 2021, contributing to some of Red Bull Racing’s most successful years.
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During his four-season stint, Pérez secured five Grand Prix victories, including a celebrated win at the Monaco Grand Prix and two Azerbaijan triumphs, earning him the reputation as “F1’s King of the Streets.” His efforts significantly helped Red Bull clinch back-to-back Constructors’ Championships in 2022 and 2023. Last year, he also played a pivotal role in securing the team’s first-ever one-two finish in the Drivers’ Championship standings alongside Verstappen.
Announcing his departure, Pérez expressed heartfelt gratitude for his time with Red Bull. “I’m incredibly grateful for the past four years with Oracle Red Bull Racing and for the opportunity to race with such an extraordinary team. Driving for Red Bull has been an unforgettable experience, and I’ll always cherish the successes we achieved together,” said Pérez.
He also extended thanks to the various departments within Red Bull Racing and to the fans who supported him, particularly those from Mexico. “A special thank you to the fans around the world, and especially to the Mexican fans, for your unwavering support every day. We’ll meet again soon. And remember… never give up.”
Christian Horner lauded Pérez’s contributions to the team, stating, “From the moment he joined in 2021, he proved himself to be an extraordinary team player, helping us to two Constructors’ titles and our first one-two finish in the Drivers’ Championship. While Checo will not race for the team next season, he will always be an extremely popular team member and a treasured part of our history. Thank you, Checo.”
