Liam Lawson said he can't stop smiling after confirmation he will partner world champion Max Verstappen at Red Bull for the 2025 Formula One season.
After two stints with Red Bull's sister team RB over the past two seasons, he finally gets the chance to line up from the start of a season with a full-time seat.
Lawson joined Red Bull Racing's Talking Bull podcast to discuss his move.
"I still can’t really believe it - I’m just excited," said Lawson.
Lawson said he received a call from Red Bull team principal Christian Horner letting him know the good news by saying, “welcome to Red Bull Racing".
"I knew that this was on the cards for a change, but obviously nothing was set in stone as it’s all performance based."
The first person Lawson told about his big move was his father Jared.
"I called my Dad, he’s been a massive influence on me growing up and he was very emotional which I’ve never really seen him like that which is quite cool.
"He’s been a big part of the mentality I’ve had growing up and coming into racing, not that he raced, but just letting me believe as a kid that I could do anything if I believed and worked hard enough for it."
Lawson is coming back to New Zealand for Christmas before returning to Europe in mid-January for pre-season testing at Silverstone in the UK.
The 22-year-old will replace Mexican driver Sergio Perez, who departed Red Bull yesterday after spending four seasons with the team.
Perez just completed the worst season of his stint at Red Bull, finishing eighth in the 2024 driver standings. Red Bull placed third in the constructor standings, having won the team title in the previous two seasons.
"As Formula One drivers, we all have one goal and that's to win a World Championship.
"I don’t expect to come in and win a World Championship straight away, I know the team’s goal is to win the constructors and that’s what I’m here to do.
"For me personally, it’s trying to be in a competitive position as quickly as possible and I’ve got the best teammate to learn from."
That teammate being four-time Formula One world champion Verstappen, who Lawson will be driving alongside in 2025.
Verstappen won his fourth world title in a row in 2024, securing nine race wins along the way.
"He (Verstappen) has always been kind and supportive when I came in last year as a reserve when I was obviously feeling a lot of pressure, he was someone who was really good to talk to."
Floods of comments on social media have rallied behind Lawson's RB teammate Yuki Tsunoda, with many believing the Japanese driver deserved to get the Red Bull seat over the Kiwi.
"You’re never going to have everyone like you, for me I've already had the experience of coming into Formula One and experiencing the attention that comes along with it," Lawson told New Zealand media.
"For me, I'm just focused on my job. Everyone can have their own opinion…it's not something that bothers me, but it’s something I’ve had a taste of and I’m sure I’ll experience it in my first full season."
Last year Lawson became the 10th Kiwi to drive in Formula One, following the footsteps of some legendary drivers such as Bruce McLaren, Denny Hulme and Chris Amon.
"It’s very exciting, we (NZ) have a lot of history in Formula One from a long time ago and I hope to carry that forward now.
"There’s so many really good guys coming up through the ranks in New Zealand but it’s so hard to make the step to international racing," he added.
Lawson also wanted to thank his Kiwi supporters.
"I’m very lucky to be in this position and with the support from home, I’m extremely proud to be from New Zealand and to get to fly the flag next year in the main team."
“The support has been incredible, I see a lot of it online as well and it’s something I appreciate a lot.
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