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Sport Motorsport

New Zealander Liam Lawson to partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull

22-year-old with three top-10 finishes to replace Sergio Perez



Liam Lawson of New Zealand and Visa Cash App RB looks on from the grid during the F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas at Las Vegas Strip Circuit on November 23, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images/AFP. New Zealand driver Liam Lawson will team up with Dutchman Max Verstappen, the four-time reigning Formula 1 world champion, at Red Bull next season, the Austrian team announced on December 19, 2024. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP)
Image Credit: AFP

Paris: New Zealander Liam Lawson will race for Red Bull alongside world champion Max Verstappen next season after the decision to drop Sergio Perez, the Formula One team confirmed Thursday.

Lawson, 22, who joined the Red Bull Junior Programme five years ago, steps in after just 11 grand prix over two seasons for the team.

The announcement comes a day after Perez said he had agreed a termination deal following a disappointing season by the Mexican. He spent four seasons with the team.

"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," the Lawson said.

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"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!"

Lawson, who has earned three top-10 finishes so far in his fledgling F1 career, steps up from Red Bull's sister team Racing Bulls.

"I'm delighted to announce that Liam Lawson will join the Team in 2025," said Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.

"Liam's performances over the course of his two stints with 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."

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Incredible journey

Lawson made his debut in F1 at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix in place of the injured Daniel Ricciardo.

He impressed after replacing Ricciardo on a permanent basis for the final six races of the 2024 season, and was preferred for promotion over fellow RB driver Yuki Tsunoda of Japan.

"It's been an incredible journey so far," Lawson added.

"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."

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