F1: Red Bull axe under pressure driver Sergio Perez with Kiwi Liam Lawson confirmed to take seat

After months of speculation, Red Bull has officially handed under pressure driver Sergio Perez the axe, with Kiwi Liam Lawson confirmed to fill that elusive RB seat in 2025.

New Zealand young gun Liam Lawson will partner world champion Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing next year after under pressure Mexican Sergio Perez’s departure from the team.

After a poor campaign and a long-running debate over whether or not he would keep his seat for 2025, the team said it had reached an agreement with Perez to part ways.

Lawson, 22, was later confirmed as the replacement for Perez, making the move from sister team RB.

Perez’s departure came just six months after he signed a contract extension with Red Bull to stay with the team until the 2026 season.

But there was growing pressure on Perez’s seat as the Formula 1 season went on as his form faltered.

Sergio Perez has been axed by Red Bull. Picture: HAMAD I MOHAMMED / POOL / AFP

While Verstappen went on to claim a fourth straight Formula 1 drivers championship, Perez finished eighth in the drivers’ standings, collecting just nine points in the final eight races.

Lawson joined the Red Bull junior program in 2019 and made his F1 debut at the Dutch Grand Prix last year in place of the injured Daniel Ricciardo, who he then replaced for the last six races of 2024.

The Kiwi said it was a childhood dream come true to secure a seat at Red Bull and was eager to learn from Verstappen.

“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.

“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), Helmut (Marko) and the whole Red Bull family for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. I am super excited to work alongside Max and learn from a world champion, I have no doubt I will learn from his expertise.”

Liam Lawson is in the hot seat to take over Perez’ seat. Picture: Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images

“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,” Horner said.

“His arrival continues the team’s long history of promoting from within the Red Bull junior program 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.”

Perez, 34, joined Red Bull Racing in 2021 and finished second in the championship behind Verstappen in 2023 and helped the team to two constructors’ titles.

In his 90 race starts with the team, he won five Grand Prix, including the Monaco Grand Prix and a pair in Azerbaijan.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the past four years with Red Bull Racing and for the opportunity to race with such an amazing team,” Perez said.

It’s been an absolute pleasure driving alongside you 🙏 We’ve had some amazing moments together that I’ll always remember. Thank you, Checo! pic.twitter.com/iaUMunXZb3

— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) December 18, 2024

“Driving for Red Bull has been an unforgettable experience and I’ll always cherish the successes we achieved together.

“We broke records, reached remarkable milestones, and I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people along the way.

“It has been an honour to race alongside Max as a teammate all these years and to share in our success.

“A special thank you to the fans around the world, and especially to the Mexican fans for your unwavering support every day.”

Verstappen paid tribute to Perez on social media.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure driving alongside you,” the Dutch star wrote.

“We’ve had some amazing moments together that I’ll always remember. Thank you, Checo.”

Originally published as F1: Red Bull axe under pressure driver Sergio Perez with Kiwi Liam Lawson confirmed to take seat