Liam Lawson has been confirmed as Sergio Perez’s substitute at Crimson Bull Racing for the 2025 Formulation 1 season.
Perez’s departure from the group was introduced on Wednesday following negotiations referring to the termination of his contract, with an settlement reached for him to depart the group with fast 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 part of the group in 2025,” group 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 sturdy outcomes however that he’s additionally an actual racer, not afraid to combine it with the perfect and are available out on prime.
“His arrival continues the group’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 doubt that racing alongside Max, a four-time champion and undoubtedly one of many biggest drivers ever seen in F1, is a frightening activity, however I’m positive Liam can rise to that problem and ship some excellent outcomes for us subsequent 12 months.”
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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a lifelong dream for me, that is one thing I’ve needed and labored in the direction of since I used to be eight years outdated,” Lawson mentioned. “It’s been an unbelievable journey to this point.
“I wish to say an enormous thanks to the entire group at VCARB for his or her assist, the final six races have performed an enormous half in my preparation for this subsequent step. I additionally wish 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 study from a world champion, I’ve little doubt I’ll study from his experience. I can’t wait to get going!”
The choice is about to pave the way in which for Formulation 2 runner-up Isack Hadjar to exchange Lawson at RB alongside Yuki Tsunoda, with the Japanese driver being neglected for the highest group regardless of beginning 87 grands prix throughout the previous 4 seasons.
