Red Bull Racing has confirmed that Liam Lawson will step up to a full-time race seat with the team in 2025, partnering four-time world champion Max Verstappen.
The announcement follows Red Bull's decision to part ways with Sergio Perez after four seasons, marking a new chapter for the Milton Keynes-based outfit.
The promotion is a significant moment for the 21-year-old Lawson, whose performances during two substitute stints for AlphaTauri/RB demonstrated enough promise to convince the Red Bull hierarchy of its potential.
Despite limited opportunities in Formula 1, Lawson has consistently showcased his potential. In 2023, he stepped in for the injured Daniel Ricciardo at AlphaTauri, delivering strong performances, including a ninth-place finish in Singapore.
This year, Lawson returned to the grid after Ricciardo's exit, immediately impressing with a ninth-place finish in the United States Grand Prix.
Although he faced challenges against teammate Yuki Tsunoda in qualifying, Red Bull clearly recognized Lawson's raw talent and future potential.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner expressed his enthusiasm for the decision.
“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,” Horner said.
“His arrival continues the Team's long history of promotion from within the Red Bull Junior Programme and he follows 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 undoubtedly one of the greatest drivers ever seen in F1, is a daunting task, but I'm sure Liam can rise to that challenge and deliver some outstanding results for us next year.”
Lawson himself is obviously thrilled with the opportunity to undertake his first full season in F1 with Red Bull Racing.
“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,” commented the Kiwi.
“It's been an incredible journey so far. I want to say a massive thank you to the whole team at VCARB 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, Helmut and the whole Red Bull family for believing in me and giving me this opportunity.
“I am super excited to work alongside Max and learn from a World Champion, I have no doubt I will learn from his expertise. “I can't wait to get going!”
Red Bull has yet to confirm Lawson's replacement at RB, but junior driver Isack Hadjar, who finished second in this year's FIA F2 championship, is widely expected to take the seat.
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