Christian Horner Has Officially Revealed Who Will Partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull in 2025, with Sergio Perez Still Under Substantial Pressure.
In a significant announcement for Red Bull Racing’s future, team principal Christian Horner has confirmed that Max Verstappen’s teammate for the 2025 season will be none other than rising talent Liam Lawson. This decision comes amid ongoing scrutiny and pressure surrounding current driver Sergio Perez, who has faced challenges in maintaining consistent performance alongside Verstappen.
The decision marks a major step forward for Lawson, a young driver who has been making waves with impressive performances and growth in Red Bull’s junior program. Over recent months, Lawson has shown promise, gaining attention as a potential successor to Perez, who has been with the team since 2021. Lawson’s inclusion in the 2025 lineup reflects Red Bull’s confidence in his ability to adapt quickly and deliver results in Formula 1’s highly competitive environment.
Liam Lawson, a New Zealand native, has developed his skills through Red Bull’s junior program, competing in various feeder series and demonstrating remarkable skill, adaptability, and focus. His performances in both Formula 2 and Super Formula have proven his racing prowess, with victories and podiums that cemented his status as one of the most promising drivers in Red Bull’s development roster.
Over the 2024 season, Lawson was given opportunities to showcase his abilities during select F1 sessions, taking on reserve driver duties and gaining experience under Red Bull’s mentorship. His calm approach, strong work ethic, and understanding of the car dynamics have impressed the team’s leadership, leading Horner to make the official announcement earlier this week.
For Sergio Perez, this news intensifies the pressure as he heads into the final season of his current contract. Although Perez has brought valuable experience to the team and contributed to Red Bull’s Constructor’s Championship pursuits, his recent performances have come under scrutiny. Despite his solid record, Perez has struggled to keep up with Verstappen, particularly in qualifying and race pace, leading to speculation about his future with the team.
Horner acknowledged the contributions Perez has made over his tenure with Red Bull, stating, “Sergio has played a crucial role in our recent successes, but we’re constantly evaluating our lineup to ensure we’re as competitive as possible.” He added that Lawson’s readiness and potential had factored into the decision for 2025, signaling a shift towards developing younger talent within the team.
With Lawson joining Verstappen, Red Bull is looking to build a lineup that balances proven success with promising potential. Verstappen, a dominant force in the sport, will continue to lead the team, while Lawson’s presence provides a fresh perspective and new energy. Red Bull’s decision reflects its commitment to fostering talent within its ranks, a hallmark of its strategy that has produced champions like Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen himself.
The 2025 season will be a pivotal moment for Lawson as he embarks on his full-time Formula 1 career. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he adapts to the challenges of racing at the sport’s highest level, especially under the guidance of a championship-winning team like Red Bull.