Sacramento Kings
Red Bull Confirms Liam Lawson as Sergio Perez’s Replacement
Red Bull Racing Wastes No Time Confirming Liam Lawson as Their Second Driver
So Long Checo; Welcome to RB Liam!
Following a string of F1 rumors pinning the Oracle Red Bull Racing team and driver Sergio ‘Checo’ Perez going their own routes for next season, even after Perez was extended by the team this year, the call was made official by all parties involved as the Mexican driver took to social media to extend a heartfelt goodbye letter to his former team and fans.
Thank you for these four years @redbullracing
I wish you the best. pic.twitter.com/9vLUwvqBDl— Sergio Pérez (@SChecoPerez) December 18, 2024
Stating: “Driving for Red Bull has been an unforgettable experience and I’ll always cherish the successes we achieved together. We broke records, reached remarkable milestones, and I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people along the way.” Checo said goodbye to the team with which he earned five of his six career wins and became Mexico’s newest racing hero, alongside a fashion icon of sports.
Now that we’ve covered our share of the latest Sergio Perez news, please make some room for Red Bull’s new driver, all the way from New Zealand, at 22 years old and having 11 F1 races in his curriculum thus far, Liam Lawson.
BREAKING: Liam Lawson to race for Red Bull in 2025 #F1 pic.twitter.com/xOf9w4uPgu
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 19, 2024
Lawson, who first started his career with Red Bull back in 2019, joining the team’s junior program, would go on to make his F1 debut back in 2023, subbing for fan favorite Daniel Ricciardo in former team Scuderia AlphaTauri and now will take over the role of being Max Verstappen’s teammate from 2025 onwards.
It Was Time for Perez to Leave
To sum up Perez’s career with Red Bull in a nutshell, it went from a dream move to a perennial nightmare this last season.
After putting up some very strong performances since arriving at the team in 2021, including what could easily be one of the most critical races in his career, when his masterful defensive driving strategy helped Verstappen keep Lewis Hamilton away from reaching the title in the last race of the 2021 F1 schedule in Abu Dhabi, Checo’s numbers this season took a serious dive, leading to the split with RB.
🖐️ Five wins
🍾 29 podiums
🏎️ Three polesLet’s take a look at some of Checo’s best moments from his time with Red Bull 🏁#F1 pic.twitter.com/KY2BybpFKX
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 18, 2024
Being a pivotal part of Red Bull’s team for the past few seasons, the spot left by Perez will surely be tough to fill. But from the looks of it, Lawson is not only ready for the challenge but welcomes it with open arms.
What Awaits Lawson as RB’s 2nd Driver?
There’s no hiding the fact Lawson is set and ready to take on the task of being Verstappen’s teammate next season. Quick to let F1 news reporters in on how he is taking in the news of his new position, Lawson showed his excitement by saying: “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.”
A new-look Red Bull 😎
Liam Lawson joins Max Verstappen at Red Bull, replacing Sergio Perez 🔀 #F1 pic.twitter.com/3JUb4J4Cok
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 19, 2024
Lawson’s appointment did not go through as smoothly as expected though. Doubts about why Lawson was promoted over fellow RB Programme Yuki Tsunoda and other drivers have arisen.
Liam Lawson has the fewest F1 starts of any driver promoted from Red Bull’s junior to senior team: pic.twitter.com/blOck4FRVB
— The Race (@wearetherace) December 19, 2024
Still, Red Bull’s boss Christian Horner has been quick to demerit any doubts, giving Lawson a clear vote of confidence, telling reporters: “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.”
Now, it’s up to Lawson to make the most of his chance on the biggest stage.
