Liam Lawson has been confirmed as Sergio Perez’s substitute at Crimson Bull Racing for the 2025 System 1 season.
Perez’s departure from the staff was introduced on Wednesday following negotiations regarding the termination of his contract, with an settlement reached for him to go away the staff with instant impact. In his place, Crimson Bull have opted for Lawson over Yuki Tsunoda, with the New Zealander having began simply 11 grands prix throughout the previous two seasons.
“I’m delighted to announce that Liam Lawson will be a part of the staff in 2025,” staff principal Christian Horner mentioned. “Liam’s performances over the course of his two stints with Visa Money App Racing Bulls have demonstrated that he’s not solely able to delivering robust outcomes however that he’s additionally an actual racer, not afraid to combine it with the very best and are available out on prime.
“His arrival continues the staff’s lengthy historical past of selling from inside the Crimson Bull Junior Program and he follows within the footsteps of championship and race-winning drivers akin to Sebastian Vettel and naturally, Max Verstappen.
“There’s little question that racing alongside Max, a four-time champion and undoubtedly one of many best drivers ever seen in F1, is a frightening job, however I’m positive Liam can rise to that problem and ship some excellent outcomes for us subsequent yr.”
Lawson says his second stint at RB — the place he changed Daniel Ricciardo after the Singapore Grand Prix for the remainder of this season — was central to him proving he’s prepared for the chance.
“To be introduced as an Oracle Crimson Bull Racing Driver is a lifelong dream for me, that is one thing I’ve needed and labored in the direction of since I used to be eight years previous,” Lawson mentioned. “It’s been an unbelievable journey up to now.
“I need to say a large thanks to the entire staff at VCARB for his or her help, the final six races have performed an enormous half in my preparation for this subsequent step. I additionally need to thank Christian, Helmut [Marko] and the entire Crimson Bull household for believing in me and giving me this chance. I’m tremendous excited to work alongside Max and be taught from a world champion, I’ve little question I’ll be taught from his experience. I can’t wait to get going!”
The choice is ready to pave the way in which for System 2 runner-up Isack Hadjar to switch Lawson at RB alongside Yuki Tsunoda, with the Japanese driver being ignored for the highest staff regardless of beginning 87 grands prix throughout the previous 4 seasons.
