Liam Lawson has been confirmed as Sergio Perez’s alternative at Purple Bull Racing for the 2025 Components 1 season.
Perez’s departure from the staff was introduced on Wednesday following negotiations regarding the termination of his contract, with an settlement reached for him to depart the staff with instant impact. In his place, Purple Bull have opted for Lawson over Yuki Tsunoda, with the New Zealander having began simply 11 grands prix throughout the previous two seasons.
“I’m delighted to announce that Liam Lawson will be part of the staff in 2025,” staff principal Christian Horner stated. “Liam’s performances over the course of his two stints with Visa Money App Racing Bulls have demonstrated that he’s not solely able to delivering sturdy outcomes however that he’s additionally an actual racer, not afraid to combine it with the very best and are available out on prime.
“His arrival continues the staff’s lengthy historical past of selling from throughout the Purple Bull Junior Program and he follows within the footsteps of championship and race-winning drivers akin to Sebastian Vettel and naturally, Max Verstappen.
“There’s little doubt that racing alongside Max, a four-time champion and undoubtedly one of many best drivers ever seen in F1, is a frightening job, however I’m certain Liam can rise to that problem and ship some excellent outcomes for us subsequent yr.”
Lawson says his second stint at RB — the place he changed Daniel Ricciardo after the Singapore Grand Prix for the remainder of this season — was central to him proving he’s prepared for the chance.
“To be introduced as an Oracle Purple Bull Racing Driver is a lifelong dream for me, that is one thing I’ve needed and labored in direction of since I used to be eight years previous,” Lawson stated. “It’s been an unimaginable journey to date.
“I wish to say an enormous thanks to the entire staff at VCARB for his or her assist, the final six races have performed an enormous half in my preparation for this subsequent step. I additionally wish to thank Christian, Helmut [Marko] and the entire Purple Bull household for believing in me and giving me this chance. I’m tremendous excited to work alongside Max and be taught from a world champion, I’ve little doubt I’ll be taught from his experience. I can’t wait to get going!”
The choice is ready to pave the way in which for Components 2 runner-up Isack Hadjar to interchange Lawson at RB alongside Yuki Tsunoda, with the Japanese driver being ignored for the highest staff regardless of beginning 87 grands prix throughout the previous 4 seasons.
