Liam Lawson to Replace Sergio Perez as Max Verstappen’s Teammate at Red Bull
Liam Lawson will replace Sergio Perez as Max Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull for the 2024 Formula One season, the team announced on Wednesday. Lawson’s promotion from Red Bull’s sister team, RB, had been expected after Perez’s departure.
At just 22 years old, Lawson made his F1 debut during the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix, stepping in for the injured Daniel Ricciardo. After impressing during his five-race stint, Lawson returned for the final six races of the 2023 season when Ricciardo was dropped. His solid performances earned him the seat alongside Verstappen for the upcoming season.
In a statement, Lawson shared his excitement, saying, “To be announced as an Oracle Red Bull Racing Driver is a lifelong dream for me, something I’ve worked towards since I was eight years old.” He thanked the RB team for their support and credited his recent races as crucial preparation for the next step in his career. Lawson is also excited about the opportunity to learn from Verstappen, a four-time world champion, calling it a huge chance for growth.
Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner praised Lawson’s talent, saying, “Liam has shown he’s a real racer, not afraid to compete with the best.” He highlighted that Lawson’s promotion follows Red Bull’s tradition of promoting from its Junior Programme, with past drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen achieving great success.
Although racing alongside Verstappen, one of F1’s greatest drivers, is a daunting task, Horner believes Lawson is up for the challenge and will deliver strong results in the 2024 season.
