Lawson replaces Sergio Perez, who left Red Bull Racing on Wednesday after four years with the world champion team.
New Zealander Liam Lawson will replace Sergio Perez in the huge role of teammate to four-time world champion Max Verstappen at Red Bull next season, the Formula One team said.
Perez’s departure was announced on Wednesday and Lawson’s promotion from Red Bull’s sister team RB had been expected.
The 22-year-old made his F1 debut at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix as a replacement for the injured Daniel Ricciardo in five races and returned for the final six races of this season when the Australian was ruled out.
“Being announced as an Oracle Red Bull Racing driver is a lifelong dream for me. This is something I have wanted and worked towards since I was eight years old,” he said in a team statement on Thursday.
“It’s been an incredible journey so far. I would like to thank the entire VCARB (RB) team for their support. The last six races have played a big role in my preparation for this next step.
“I’m really looking forward to working with Max and learning from a world champion. I have no doubt that I will learn from his expertise. I can’t wait to get started.”
Team principal Christian Horner said Lawson’s performances showed he was “a true racer who is not afraid to compete with the best and emerge victorious.”
“His arrival continues the team’s long history of success within the Red Bull Junior program and he follows in the footsteps of championship and racing drivers such as Sebastian Vettel and of course Max Verstappen,” he added.
“There is no doubt that it is a huge task to drive alongside Max, a four-time champion and undoubtedly one of the best drivers Formula 1 has ever had, but I am sure Liam will can meet this challenge and deliver some outstanding results for us next year.”
