Red Bull confirm new Verstappen team-mate after Perez exit

Red Bull has confirmed Liam Lawson will race for the team in 2025, replacing the outgoing Sergio Perez.

Perez struggled for form throughout the past season which led to increased speculation over his immediate future.

Following a recent meeting, it was determined the Mexican would part ways with the company despite penning an extension earlier this year.

In his place steps Lawson, who made his F1 debut for AlphaTauri (now RB) at the Dutch Grand Prix last year following an injury for Daniel Ricciardo.

Lawson returned to the sidelines after Ricciardo was declared fit to race. However, he found himself replacing the Australian once again earlier this year – this time on a permanent basis.

But with just 11 grand prix starts to his name, Lawson has been called up to partner Max Verstappen at the front-running Red Bull squad.

Lawson will become the seventh F1 driver to race for the sister team before receiving a promotion to Red Bull.

A team statement read: “Red Bull Racing is pleased to announce that Liam Lawson will complete the team’s driver line-up for the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship, moving across from Racing Bulls to partner four-time world champion Max Verstappen. 

“New Zealand native Liam joined the Red Bull Junior Programme in 2019 and after multiple junior formula successes made his F1 debut with AlphaTauri at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix, in place of the injured Daniel Ricciardo. 

“He scored his first championship points in just his second outing at the Singapore GP and completed five races in all for the team. 

“After taking up his reserve driver role with both teams at the start of 2024, Liam returned to grand prix racing with Racing Bulls with a points-scoring finish at this year’s United States Grand Prix. 

“Now, after completing the season with VCARB the 22-year-old takes the next step in his career with a seat at Red Bull Racing.”