Liam Lawson will race alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing in 2025 for the first time but the two know each other well as the Kiwi has been an academy member for years

Once healed, Ricciardo rejoined and finished the 2023 season alongside teammate Tsunoda, and they formed this year’s lineup for the rebranded RB. It left Lawson, now 22, on the sidelines again, with five grands prix under his belt. As Red Bull’s reserve driver, the New Zealander was at the race weekends and following along from the garage.

Formula One season hasn't been kind to Red Bull, and the departure of Sergio Perez after four seasons marks a big change in the team. Max Verstappen, Perez's teammate, has been vocal about supporting Perez amid criticisms of his performance.

Top Formula 1 teams often avoid giving number one status to one of their drivers in public these days, but Red Bull have made it clear Liam Lawson is not to try challenging Max Verstappen

Red Bull made a mistake in placing Liam Lawson alongside Max Verstappen for F1 2025, as they “need” Yuki Tsunoda in that role. That is the warning issued by F1 steward and former Sky F1 pundit Johnny Herbert,

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has hinted at future Formula 1 opportunities for axed star Sergio Perez. Following a dismal 2024 season, Perez has decided to take a 'sabbatical' from the sport, instead being replaced in his full-time seat with the team by New Zealander Liam Lawson.