Lawson moves up to join Verstappen at Red Bull

Alan Baldwin - Reuters - 19/12
New Zealander Liam Lawson will replace Sergio Perez in the daunting role of teammate to four times world champion Max Verstappen at Red Bull next season, the Formula One team said on Thursday.
  • Lawson joins Red Bull as Verstappen's teammate
  • New Zealander, 22, replaces departed Perez
  • Hadjar expected to take RB seat
LONDON, Dec 19 (Reuters) - New Zealander Liam Lawson will replace Sergio Perez in the daunting role of teammate to four times world champion Max Verstappen at Red Bull next season, the Formula One team said on Thursday.
Mexican 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 five-race stand-in for injured Daniel Ricciardo and returned for the last six races of this season when the Australian was dropped.
"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," he said in a team statement.
"It’s been an incredible journey so far. I want to say a massive thank you to the whole team at VCARB (RB) for their support, the last six races have played a huge part in my preparation for this next step.
"I am super excited to work alongside Max and learn from a world champion, I have no doubt I will learn from hi...
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