Liam Lawson issues statement after replacing Sergio Perez at Red Bull as message sent to Max Verstappen

It's official. Liam Lawson will replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull and become Max Verstappen’s teammate for the 2025 season.

The 22-year-old New Zealander, who burst onto the scene during the 2023 campaign, when he filled in for Daniel Ricciardo at the Dutch Grand Prix, has been chosen to replace Perez after impressing at Red Bull’s sister team, RB.

Perez, meanwhile, has agreed to leave Red Bull with immediate effect, despite having two years left on his contract.

The Mexican described driving for Red Bull as an "unforgettable experience" and something he would always cherish before saying it was an honour to race alongside four-time world champion Max Verstappen.

A day later, Lawson has opened up on replacing "Checo" at Red Bull.

“To be announced as an Oracle Red Bull Racing driver is a lifelong dream for me,” he said. “This is something I’ve wanted and worked towards since I was eight years old. It’s been an incredible journey so far."

“I want to say a massive thank you to the whole team at VCARB for their support, the last six races have played a huge part in my preparation for this next step.

“I also want to thank, Christian [Horner, Red Bull boss], Helmut [Marko, Red Bull Motorsport Adviser] and the whole Red Bull family for believing in me and giving me this opportunity."

Lawson added: “I am super excited to work alongside Max and learn from a World Champion, I have no doubt I will learn from his expertise. I can’t wait to get going!”

Red Bull principal Horner was full of praise for the new addition. “I’m delighted to announce that Liam Lawson will join the team in 2025," he said.

"Liam’s performances over the course of his two stints with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls have demonstrated that he’s not only capable of delivering strong results but that he’s also a real racer, not afraid to mix it with the best and come out on top.

“His arrival continues the Team’s long history of promoting from within the Red Bull Junior Programme and he follows in the footsteps of championship and race-winning drivers such as Sebastian Vettel and of course, Max Verstappen.

“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.”

Image credit: Getty

Thoughts on Red Bull's pick? Is he the right man to replace Perez? Let us know in the comments.