New Zealander Liam Lawson has secured a full-time seat at Red Bull for the 2025 F1 season.
The Kiwi will replace Sergio Perez and partner with four-time champion Max Verstappen.
Red Bull announced Lawson's selection in a press release late last night.
"We are thrilled to share that Oracle Red Bull Racing has announced that New Zealand's Liam Lawson will complete the Team's driver line up for the 2025 F1 World Championship," a spokesperson for the team said.
"Lawson will move from Visa Cash App Racing Bulls to partnering with four-time World Champion Max Verstappen."
Red Bull dropped Perez yesterday after months of poor results. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner had recently hinted that Lawson was a candidate for the seat.
Lawson thanked Horner "and the whole Red Bull family" for believing in him, and for the opportunity.
"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," he said.
Lawson also thanked his previous team, the Racing Bulls, for their support.
"The last six races have played a huge part in my preparation for this next step," he said.
"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!"
Horner said Lawson's performances with the Racing Bulls proved he could deliver strong results – and that "he's also a real racer, not afraid to mix it with the best and come out on top".
"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," he said.
The 2025 season kicks off close to home for Lawson, with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 16.
SHARE ME