Red Bull Unveils Liam Lawson as 2025 F1 Racer of the Year

Red Bull’s Surprise Move: Liam Lawson to Replace Sergio Perez in 2025 F1 Season

Just 24 hours after announcing Sergio Perez’s departure from Red Bull Racing, the team made another bold move, naming Liam Lawson as its second driver for the 2025 Formula 1 season. The move comes as a surprise, as many thought the team would announce the replacement of Perez in the new year, ahead of pre-season testing.

Christian Horner Confirms the Roster

Team principal Christian Horner recently hinted that the team’s second seat would go to one of its current drivers, Yuki Tsunoda or Lawson. However, with Honda’s moral and financial support, as well as a promising test after the Abu Dhabi GP, it seemed like Tsunoda would be the favorite to fill the role. But now, with Lawson announced as the new driver, it’s clear that Tsunoda won’t be getting the nod.

Lawson’s Rise to the Top

Lawson’s journey to the top hasn’t been without its challenges. He’s faced moments where it seemed like he might be throwing away his opportunity, and with Tsunoda’s hunger for a promotion, it was unclear who would partner Max Verstappen in 2025. However, Lawson impressed during his stints covering Daniel Ricciardo at VCarb in 2023 and again this year, leaving a lasting impression.

The New Dynamic Duo

Lawson joins a long list of drivers who have partnered (and struggled to match) Verstappen’s exceptional abilities. The pressure will be on him to finish second and pick up wins when Verstappen can’t, but in a team and car fine-tuned for a four-time champion, it’s an uphill battle to adapt to a new environment before the 2026 rule changes.

What’s Next?

The season is just around the corner, and we can’t wait to see how Lawson will adapt to his new role. Will he be able to keep up with Verstappen and the team’s high standards? Let us know your thoughts at [email protected].