Liam Lawson to Replace Sergio Perez as Max Verstappen’s Teammate at Red Bull
New Zealander Liam Lawson to Partner Four-Time World Champion Max Verstappen
London: New Zealander Liam Lawson will replace Sergio Perez in the daunting role of teammate to four-time world champion Max Verstappen at Red Bull next season, the Formula One team announced today.
Lawson’s Journey to F1
The 22-year-old made his F1 debut at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix as a five-race stand-in for injured Daniel Ricciardo and returned for the last six races of this season when the Australian was dropped.
Lawson’s Excitement and Gratitude
"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," Lawson said in a team statement. "It’s been an incredible journey so far. I want to say a massive thank you to the whole team at VCARB (RB) for their support, the last six races have played a huge part in my preparation for this next step. 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."
Team Boss Christian Horner’s Endorsement
Team boss Christian Horner said Lawson’s performances had shown he was "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," he added. "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."
The Challenge of Partnering Max Verstappen
A series of teammates have struggled to match Verstappen’s pace at Red Bull since he arrived there in 2016, also promoted from within, and the role has become something of a poisoned chalice. Perez joined in 2021 and had a strong 2023 season, finishing second overall in the championship but still a massive 290 points behind Verstappen, who won a record 19 of 22 races with his teammate taking only two. The Mexican’s form has collapsed this season, finishing eighth overall, while Verstappen went on to take his fourth title in a row.
Conclusion
Liam Lawson’s promotion to partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull next season marks a new chapter in his career and a significant challenge. With his impressive performances in the last six races of this season, Lawson is well-equipped to rise to the challenge and deliver outstanding results alongside the four-time world champion.
FAQs
Q: Who will replace Sergio Perez as Max Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull?
A: Liam Lawson, a 22-year-old New Zealander, will replace Sergio Perez as Max Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull next season.
Q: What is Liam Lawson’s experience in F1?
A: Lawson made his F1 debut at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix as a five-race stand-in for injured Daniel Ricciardo and returned for the last six races of this season when the Australian was dropped.
Q: What are the expectations for Liam Lawson’s performance alongside Max Verstappen?
A: Team boss Christian Horner believes Lawson can rise to the challenge and deliver some outstanding results alongside Verstappen, despite the daunting task of partnering a four-time world champion.