BREAKING: Liam Lawson to partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull

Just days into his first full Formula One off-season, Liam Lawson has won the most important race of his life.

Just days into his first full Formula One off-season, Liam Lawson has won the most important race of his life. Image: F1

Just days into his first full Formula One off-season, Liam Lawson has won the most important race of his life.

The 22-year-old New Zealanders with just 11 Grand Prix starts, has beaten out Yuki Tsunoda to partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull in 2025.

Red Bull made the announcement on Thursday after the underperforming Sergio Pérez was punted from the remainder of his contract the day before.

‘Incredible journey’

In a statement, Liam Lawson said: “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. 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 get to get going!”

Pérez, who joined Red Bull at the beginning of the 2021 season, had a shocking end to the 2024 season and failing to record a podium finish since way back in April.

Adjusting to another car in the senior team will take time but the move to Red Bull essentially means Lawson will be going from a mid-pack car to one capable of running up front with the biggest names in F1.

Lawson replaced Daniel Ricciardo at VCARB, or Racing Bulls, Red Bull’s junior team, for the final six stops of the season and made an immediate impression in his bid to win the Red Bull seat.

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