Liam Lawson has been confirmed as the new Red Bull driver, replacing Sergio Pérez for the upcoming Formula 1 season. This announcement marks a significant career milestone for the 22-year-old New Zealander, who has steadily progressed through the ranks of the Red Bull Junior Programme since joining in 2019. His promotion follows a series of strong performances that solidified his place as one of the sport’s rising stars.
The decision to replace Pérez comes after a challenging year for the Mexican driver, who spent four seasons as Max Verstappen’s teammate. While Pérez contributed to Red Bull’s success during his tenure, the team decided to make a change, paving the way for Lawson to step into the coveted seat alongside the four-time world champion.
Lawson expressed his excitement about the opportunity, describing it as a lifelong dream come true. Reflecting on his journey, he credited his years of hard work and dedication to reaching this point. Starting his career in karting at the age of eight, Lawson steadily climbed the motorsport ladder, culminating in his Formula 1 debut at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix. Stepping in for an injured Daniel Ricciardo, Lawson impressed during his initial outings, including scoring his first points in Texas. He later replaced Ricciardo permanently for the final six races of the 2024 season, showcasing his potential and earning the trust of the Red Bull team.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner praised Lawson’s talent and determination, highlighting his ability to deliver strong results under pressure. Horner emphasized that Lawson’s promotion continues the team’s tradition of nurturing talent through its Junior Programme, which has produced champions like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. While acknowledging the challenges of competing alongside Verstappen, Horner expressed confidence in Lawson’s ability to rise to the occasion and deliver outstanding performances.
Lawson’s promotion is not only a testament to his skill but also a reflection of Red Bull’s commitment to fostering young talent. The team has a history of identifying and developing drivers who can compete at the highest level, and Lawson’s journey is the latest chapter in that legacy. With Verstappen as his teammate, Lawson has the opportunity to learn from one of the sport’s best drivers, an experience he described as invaluable for his growth.
Meanwhile, another significant driver move involves Valtteri Bottas, who will rejoin Mercedes as a reserve driver for the 2025 season. Bottas, a ten-time race winner with Mercedes, previously raced alongside Lewis Hamilton from 2017 to 2021, contributing to five constructors’ championships for the team. After leaving Mercedes, Bottas joined Alfa Romeo, which later became Sauber, but faced a challenging 2024 season, finishing 22nd in the standings without scoring any points.
Bottas’s return to Mercedes comes after his departure from Sauber, with the Finn expressing excitement about rejoining the team where he achieved much of his success. Despite recent struggles, Bottas remains determined to contribute to the sport and aims to use his experience to support Mercedes in their pursuit of future championships. The 35-year-old also harbors hopes of securing a full-time seat with a team in 2026, highlighting his unwavering commitment to Formula 1.
Joining Bottas at Mercedes in 2025 will be 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli, who takes over from Hamilton following the latter’s move to Ferrari. Antonelli’s arrival marks a new era for the team as they continue to invest in young talent. With George Russell and Antonelli as their primary drivers and Bottas providing experienced support, Mercedes aims to position itself as a competitive force in the coming seasons.
These driver changes signal a period of transition and renewal for both Red Bull and Mercedes, two of Formula 1’s most prominent teams. Lawson’s promotion to Red Bull represents a bold step in his career, while Bottas’s return to Mercedes underscores his resilience and dedication to the sport. As the 2025 season approaches, fans eagerly anticipate how these moves will shape the competitive landscape of Formula 1.
