Liam Lawson will be the partner for world champion Max Verstappen at Red Bull for the 2025 season, the Formula 1 team said on Thursday.
Lawson, a New Zealander, replaces Sergio Perez, who was dropped on Wednesday after months of poor results.
Red Bull announced on Wednesday the termination of Perez's contract two years early, and said a replacement will be announced “in due course.”
Nicknamed “Checo,” Perez started the 2024 season with four podium finishes from the first five races, but he wasn't in the top three since. His last race finish higher than sixth was in May. Verstappen won nine races and his fourth consecutive title this year.
The last time there was such a gulf in results between an F1 champion and the team’s other driver in F1 was in 1994, when Verstappen’s father Jos was dropped before the end of the season as Michael Schumacher won the title with Benetton.
“Driving for Red Bull has been an unforgettable experience and I’ll always cherish the successes we achieved together,” Perez said in a team statement.
“We broke records, reached remarkable milestones, and I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people along the way," he added.
"A special thank you to the fans around the world, and especially to the Mexican fans for your unwavering support every day. We’ll meet again soon. And remember... Never give up."
