Liam Lawson was announced as Max Verstappen’s new teammate replacing Sergio Perez for the 2025 Formula 1 season. As the dust settled on Sergio Perez’s announced departure from the team, the rumors of who might replace him were thick.
Many believe that Yuki Tsunoda, Lawson’s RB Racing teammate, should get the nod. Others believed Lawson was the obvious choice. Still, other believed Franco Colapinto might find a driver and that is yet to be seen but if he did, it was always going to be at RB and not Red Bull.
The simple fact is, Yuki bested all his teammates and out-qualified Lawson but as we discussed on the podcast, there is more to decision than just sheer pace, it is the driver’s ability to work with the team. Yuki has certainly had moments of brilliant pace but he’s also had moments of cringe-worthy radio tirades against his RB team and that level of maturity isn’t always a welcome thing in a driver for the main team.
I think the team made the right choice but it must be said that being a teammate to Max is not always a “great opportunity” as Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly, and Sergio Perez can attest too. Liam has his work cut out for him for sure.
Liam Lawson said:
“To be announced as an Oracle Red Bull Racing driver is a lifelong dream for me,” said Lawson. “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 [Horner, Red Bull boss], Helmut [Marko, Red Bull Motorsport Adviser] 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 team boss Christian Horner said:
“I’m delighted to announce that Liam Lawson will join the team in 2025. 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.
“His arrival continues the Team’s long history of promoting 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.”
The big question now is, who get’s Liam’s empty seat at RB?
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