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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Kieran Jackson,Lawrence Ostlere and Michael Jones

Liam Lawson news LIVE: Red Bull latest as Kiwi replaces Sergio Perez as Max Verstappen’s teammate

RB’s Liam Lawson has been promoted to Red Bull and will replace the axed Sergio Perez as Max Verstappen’s teammate for the 2025 F1 season.

Red Bull called time on their four-year relationship with Perez yesterday after a difficult season in which the Mexican struggled to keep pace not only with world title-winning teammate Verstappen but also rivals from McLaren, Mercedes and Ferrari, finishing eighth in the drivers’ standings. It also meant Red Bull finished third in the constructors’ championship and ceded their crown to McLaren.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the past four years with Red Bull,” Perez said. “We broke records and reached remarkable milestones.”

While Perez’s future is now in doubt, with no seat currently available on the grid next season, New Zealander Lawson has been rewarded after impressing for sister team RB this year.

Follow all the latest reaction and F1 developments in the live blog below.

F1 news

  • Sergio Perez dropped by Red Bull Racing ahead of the 2025 season
  • RB’s Liam Lawson joins Max Verstappen at Red Bull
  • Perez ‘incredibly grateful’ as team principal Christian Horner hails ‘team player’
  • ANALYSIS: Sergio Perez’s dreadful form cost Red Bull 2024 F1 title – the Mexican had to go
  • NEW: Valtteri Bottas reunites with Mercedes F1 team

NEW: Valtteri Bottas reunites with Mercedes F1 team after missing out on seat in 2025

12:14 , Kieran Jackson

Valtteri Bottas has returned to Mercedes as the team’s F1 reserve driver in 2025.

Sauber dropped the Finnish driver at the end of the 2024 season after three years together but Bottas will rejoin the Silver Arrows - where he raced from 2017-2021 and claimed five constructors’ titles in a row - as backup to George Russell and Kimi Antonelli next year.

A spot has opened up as a reserve at Mercedes after Mick Schumacher left the team following the 2024 season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Full story:

Valtteri Bottas reunites with Mercedes after missing out on F1 seat in 2025

Liam Lawson confirmed as Max Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull F1 in 2025

09:04 , Mike Jones

Liam Lawson will replace Sergio Perez as Max Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull in 2025.

New Zealand driver Lawson, 22, has raced only 11 times in Formula One – five in 2023 and six in 2024 – but has been handed the opportunity of a lifetime after impressing in the closing races of this season. He replaced Daniel Ricciardo at RB in September and will fill in for Perez, who parted ways with Red Bull on Wednesday.

Lawson has been promoted by Christian Horner ahead of Yuki Tsunoda, who will race for the sister team Racing Bulls for the fifth successive year in 2025.

Liam Lawson confirmed as Max Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull F1 in 2025

Sergio Perez leaves Red Bull

14:30 , Kieran Jackson

A reminder of the news yesterday that Mexican driver Sergio Perez has left Red Bull after reaching an agreement with the Formula One team to part ways with immediate effect, both announced on Wednesday.

Perez, who has won six Grands Prix across 14 seasons, joined the Milton Keynes outfit in 2021. He helped them claim the Constructors’ Championship title in 2022 and 2023 and was the runner-up in the Drivers’ Championship last year.

The 34-year-old signed a new deal with Red Bull until 2026 earlier this year, but his place as Max Verstappen’s teammate came under intense scrutiny.

He finished eighth in the Drivers’ Championship this season, 285 points behind Verstappen, who secured his fourth successive drivers’ title and won nine races, while Perez was the only driver from the top four teams without a win this year.

Sergio Perez’s next move after Red Bull exit revealed by Christian Horner

14:05 , Mike Jones

Christian Horner has revealed what Sergio Perez’s next move will be after Red Bull confirmed his exit following a disastrous 2024 F1 season.

The Mexican endured a torrid run of results this year as he finished eighth in the drivers’ standings – a mammoth 285 points behind teammate and champion Max Verstappen.

The 34-year-old’s sub-par performances ultimately cost Red Bull the constructors’ title as McLaren pipped Ferrari to the crown in the final race of the season, thanks to Lando Norris’s win in Abu Dhabi.

And Red Bull boss Horner has now explained what Perez will do ahead of the 2025 campaign, with no other seat lined up.

Sergio Perez’s next move after Red Bull exit revealed by Christian Horner

Valtteri Bottas reunites with Mercedes F1 team after missing out on seat in 2025

13:36 , Mike Jones

Valtteri Bottas has returned to Mercedes as the team’s reserve driver in 2025.

Sauber dropped the Finnish driver at the end of the 2024 season after three years together but Bottas will rejoin the Silver Arrows - where he raced from 2017-2021 - as backup to George Russell and Kimi Antonelli next year.

Bottas said: “I’m happy to finally answer the question I’ve posed over the past month. Returning home to the Mercedes family as Third Driver for 2025 is what’s next and I couldn’t be more pleased.”

Valtteri Bottas reunites with Mercedes after missing out on F1 seat in 2025

Sergio Perez leaves Red Bull

13:25 , Kieran Jackson

“I would like to thank Checo for all he has done for Oracle Red Bull Racing over the past four seasons,” Team Principal Christian Horner said.

“From the moment he joined in 2021 he proved himself to be an extraordinary team player, helping us to two Constructors’ titles and to our first 1-2 finish in the Drivers’ championship.

“His five wins, all on street circuits, were also a spectacular mark of his determination to always push to the limit. While Checo will not race for the team next season, he will always be an extremely popular Team member and a treasured part of our history. Thank you, Checo.”

Christian Horner and Sergio Perez in discussion (Getty Images)

Cadillac reach ‘multi-year’ agreement with F1 team in major boost to 2026 entry

13:17 , Mike Jones

Cadillac have confirmed a “multi-year agreement” with Ferrari to supply the American team’s power units and gearboxes from 2026.

F1 rejected Andretti’s bid in partnership with GM earlier this year but with former boss Michael Andretti out of the picture, a GM entry led by businessman Dan Towriss – the majority shareholder of Andretti Global – is set to join for the season after next.

General Motors-owned Cadillac announced last week that former Marussia boss Graeme Lowdon will be their team principal when they join F1 in 2026

Cadillac reach agreement with F1 team in major boost to 2026 entry

F1 2024 season awards:

13:09 , Mike Jones

Worst race

Bahrain Grand Prix – For all the soap-opera off the track at the season-opener in Bahrain, it was business as usual for Red Bull on the tarmac. A one-two finish – and a dud of a race.

To much relief, it did not set the tone for the rest of the year.

On the podium: Japan, Monaco

F1 2024 season awards:

13:00 , Mike Jones

Best race

Brazilian Grand Prix – A championship-deciding, drama-inducing weekend in Sao Paulo.

Heavy rain meant we had qualifying on Sunday morning and, such is the grid that formed, it looked set to result in a massive points swing in Norris’s favour. There were also five crashes in helter-skelter qualifying minutes.

But the race proved to be a masterclass in wet-weather driving from Verstappen. While others slipped and slid across the racetrack and into the walls, the Dutchman was the epitome of perfection.

Podium places: British Grand Prix; Austrian Grand Prix

F1 2024 season awards:

12:50 , Mike Jones

Rising star

Ollie Bearman – A debut of dreams for the British teenager in Saudi Arabia, filling in seamlessly for Carlos Sainz to score points on his F1 debut for Ferrari.

From that moment on, his 2025 seat at Haas was virtually secured. He took his chance. It did not matter that he finished a lowly 12th in the F2 standings.

Podium places: Gabriel Bortoleto; Franco Colapinto

F1 2024 season awards:

12:38 , Mike Jones

Overtake of the year

Alex Albon, Canada – This was a spectacular manoeuvre.

Down the back straight at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Albon weaved to the outside to surge past Ricciardo, before slipping ahead of Esteban Ocon down the inside before the final chicane.

Exquisite car placement in between two cars.

Podium places: Max Verstappen, Brazil; Oscar Piastri, Azerbaijan

F1 2024 season awards:

12:29 , Mike Jones

Moment of the year

Lando Norris winning the Miami GP – This was a tough call. But Norris had been waiting for his first F1 victory for so long that, when it came, the jubilation was palpable.

It was also the first indication of McLaren’s rapid race-pace, setting up a thriller of a 2024 season.

Podium places: Lewis Hamilton wins British GP, Max Verstappen wins Brazil GP

F1 2024 season awards:

12:20 , Mike Jones

Biggest disappointment

Daniel Ricciardo – This was a close-run thing between three drivers: Ricciardo, Sergio Perez and Logan Sargeant.

Sargeant’s axing after the Dutch Grand Prix had been some time coming and, given his consistent placing at the back of the grid, perhaps it wasn’t totally surprising.

Yet Ricciardo’s inability to produce even a glimpse of his prime speed was a mighty old shame. It was no secret that Perez’s Red Bull seat was up for grabs if he could. Therefore, the Aussie shades it.

Podium places: Sergio Perez, Logan Sargeant

F1 2024 season awards:

12:09 , Mike Jones

Biggest surprise

Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari – OK, a tad cheeky given it was prior to the 2024 season commencing, but nothing stunned the F1 (and sporting) world more than this transfer.

It was quite the day when Mercedes, astonishingly, did not deny reports surfacing in the Italian media that Hamilton had opted to leave his beloved Silver Arrows and end the most successful partnership in F1 history.

Inevitably, next year’s transfer was a constantly present topic in the background throughout the year. Did it impact Hamilton’s performance? Who knows. Either way, we all cannot wait to see how it unfolds.

Podium places: Adrian Newey leaving Red Bull/joining Aston Martin, Mercedes promoting Kimi Antonelli 2025

F1 2024 season awards:

11:58 , Mike Jones

Best team

McLaren – It shouldn’t be understated how monumental an achievement this was for the papaya.

After the first four races, McLaren were third in total and already 72 points off Red Bull. But from Norris’s win in Miami onwards, they managed to take the fight to the reigning world champions and surpass them, as well as thwart the late challenge from Ferrari.

Full credit to team principal Andrea Stella and CEO Zak Brown for their hotshot driver lineup selection and their astute mechanical hiring, with ex-Red Bull engineer Rob Marshall playing a leading role in McLaren’s sudden surge in speed, particularly on the straights.

Podium places: Ferrari, Haas

F1 2024 season awards:

11:48 , Mike Jones

Best driver

Max Verstappen – It’s boring, I know. The world champion gets the top gong. But before November, the answer would have been Norris.

Yet the most impressive drive of Verstappen’s life in Brazil – from 17th on the grid to a win margin of 20 seconds – changed that. It virtually sealed the world title and, in the end, he claimed five more victories over the course of the season than the McLaren driver.

Four on the spin. Five in a row – in a Red Bull that no longer looks consistently quick – would put him among the greats.

Podium places: Lando Norris, Nico Hulkenberg

F1 2024 season awards: Best driver, biggest shock and worst race

11:36 , Mike Jones

That’s a wrap. After a record-breaking 24 races, the 2024 F1 season concluded in Abu Dhabi with Lando Norris guiding McLaren to constructors’ glory.

What a topsy-turvy, constantly evolving season it has been. From Red Bull’s dominance on the track and turmoil in the paddock at the start of the season to multiple winners and riveting racing, there has been drama at every turn.

For the first time since 2021, too, we had a genuine title race, and while Max Verstappen ultimately claimed his fourth successive world championship, Norris pushed him to the final three races.

F1 2024 season awards: Best driver, biggest shock and worst race

Christian Horner doesn’t regret Sergio Perez contract extension

11:27 , Mike Jones

On the decision to extend Perez’s contract over the summer, Horner said: “At the time he’d had four podiums in five races, it was a logical extension to remove speculation, of which there was already too much around the team,” explained the team principal.

“Every contract has performance clauses and criteria, it didn’t make any difference to this decision for Sergio to step away and take a sabbatical.”

On the constructor’s championship, he added: “In hindsight, McLaren did a great job. But at the end of the day, we won more races, we had more poles, we won four sprint races, more than any other team, and we won the drivers’ championship with two races to go.

“Unfortunately we had a 280-point deficit between our drivers, of course that became quite expensive in terms of the constructors’ championship.”

2025 F1 CALENDAR IN FULL:

11:17 , Mike Jones

PRE-SEASON TESTING - BAHRAIN

Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir - 26-28 February

ROUND 1 - AUSTRALIA

Albert Park, Melbourne - 14-16 March

ROUND 2 - CHINA

Shanghai International Circuit - 21-23 March

ROUND 3 - JAPAN

Suzuka International Racing Course - 4-6 April

ROUND 4 —BAHRAIN

Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir - 11-13 April

ROUND 5 - SAUDI ARABIA

Jeddah Corniche Circuit - 18-20 April

ROUND 6 - MIAMI

Miami International Autodrome, Hard Rock Stadium - 2-4 May

ROUND 7 - EMILIA ROMAGNA

Imola Circuit - 16-18 May

ROUND 8 - MONACO

Circuit de Monaco - 23-25 May

ROUND 9 - SPAIN

Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya - 30 May-1 June

ROUND 10 - CANADA

Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal - 13-15 June

ROUND 11 - AUSTRIA

Red Bull Ring, Spielberg - 27-29 June

ROUND 12 - GREAT BRITAIN

Silverstone Circuit - 4-6 July

ROUND 13 - BELGIUM

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps - 25-27 July

ROUND 14 - HUNGARY

Hungaroring, Budapest - 1-3 August

ROUND 15 - NETHERLANDS

Circuit Zandvoort - 29-31 August

ROUND 16 - ITALY

Monza Circuit - 5-7 September

ROUND 17 - AZERBAIJAN

Baku City Circuit - 19-21 September

ROUND 18 - SINGAPORE

Marina Bay Street Circuit - 3-5 October

ROUND 19 - UNITED STATES

Circuit of the Americas, Austin - 17-19 October

ROUND 20 - MEXICO

Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico City - 24-26 October

ROUND 21 - BRAZIL

Interlagos Circuit, Sao Paulo - 7-9 November

ROUND 22 - LAS VEGAS

Las Vegas Street Circuit - 20-22 November

ROUND 23 - QATAR

Lusail International Circuit, Lusail - 28-30 November

ROUND 24 - ABU DHABI

Yas Marina Circuit - 5-7 December

F1 2025 grid: Who are the drivers racing next season?

11:08 , Mike Jones

What is the driver line-up for 2025?

RED BULL

Max Verstappen

Liam Lawson

MERCEDES

George Russell

Kimi Antonelli

FERRARI

Charles Leclerc

Lewis Hamilton

McLAREN

Lando Norris

Oscar Piastri

ASTON MARTIN

Fernando Alonso

Lance Stroll

ALPINE

Pierre Gasly

Jack Doohan

WILLIAMS

Alex Albon

Carlos Sainz

RB

Yuki Tsunoda

Isack Hadjar (TBA)

SAUBER

Nico Hulkenberg

Gabriel Bortoleto

HAAS

Esteban Ocon

Ollie Bearman

*italics represent new seat

The five burning F1 questions heading into 2025 season

11:00 , Mike Jones

Who will Cadillac sign?

While the FIA need to ratify the entry, General Motors-owned Cadillac look set to join F1 in 2026 as an 11th team.

So the question next year is… what will their driver line-up be?

Team principal Graeme Lowdon – formerly of Marussia – is tasked with that decision. Intriguingly, he manages Zhou Guanyu, who has just been dropped by Sauber. Could Zhou be handed a route back in?

Valtteri Bottas will be keeping a close eye on Cadillac’s plans, as will Colapinto, and could the new team even hand a third bite at the cherry to Daniel Ricciardo?

There have also been strong rumours that an American driver will be targeted and, if that’s the case, IndyCar star Colton Herta appears the favourite.

The five burning F1 questions heading into 2025 season

10:51 , Mike Jones

Which rookie will impress the most?

After a start to 2024 with no new drivers, 2025 shakes up the pack completely.

In comes 18-year-old Italian hotsot Antonelli at Mercedes. British teenager Bearman links up with Haas. Doohan joins Alpine and F2 winner Bortoleto is the focus of Sauber (soon-to-be Audi) and their long-term vision.

We could have another rookie, too. Franco Colapinto looks to have been overlooked, but Isack Hadjar could be promoted to RB.

Who will perform best? Who will be able to deal with the ‘dog eat dog’ world of Formula One? It’s going to be an intriguing watch.

The five burning F1 questions heading into 2025 season

10:42 , Mike Jones

What can Carlos Sainz achieve at Williams?

The unfortunate odd one out. Sainz had an excellent season but due to Hamilton’s arrival and the bizarre shunning by both Mercedes and Red Bull, he has ended up at Williams.

A once-great F1 outfit, James Vowles’ ambitious project is a long-term one, with an eye on the next set of regulations in 2026. This year, they finished second-bottom and experienced 17 costly rashes.

So, what does this mean for Sainz – and speedy teammate Alex Albon – in 2025? Top-10 finishes will be the target but it remains to be seen if the Spaniard can lead Williams above the likes of Aston Martin, Alpine and Haas.

For a man who won two races this year, it will be a tough rewiring of his expectations heading into grand prix weekends.

The five burning F1 questions heading into 2025 season

10:33 , Mike Jones

Will we have a four-way title fight?

For the first time in F1 history, seven drivers won multiple races in 2024. It sets it up perfectly for a 2025 title race.

McLaren look to be the favourites, with Ferrari close behind. But will they be impacted by their competitive driver pairings, potentially taking points off one another?

You can never count out Max Verstappen, as he goes for five in a row in his Red Bull. And what about George Russell, team leader at Mercedes?

In the final year of this phase of regulations, the field has narrowed. The unpredictability should make for some fascinating wheel-to-wheel combat on-track.

The five burning F1 questions heading into 2025 season

10:24 , Mike Jones

How will Lewis Hamilton fare at Ferrari?

This is the big one.

There is so much intrigue and anticipation around the seven-time F1 world champion moving from his beloved Mercedes – after 12 years and six drivers’ titles – to the sport’s most fabled marque.

But Hamilton has endured a difficult 2024. While he did break his win-duck in Silverstone, he was outperformed by George Russell in qualifying by 19-5 and in the final standings by 22 points. In finishing seventh, it marks Hamilton’s worst-ever championship finish.

By the time the Brit takes to the scarlet red cockpit, he will be 40. Are his powers waning? Or will he be a driver reborn and remotivated, in what is likely to be a very competitive Ferrari car.

His partnership with Charles Leclerc will be the year’s predominant storyline.

Max Verstappen tears apart McLaren’s ‘papaya rules’ after F1 title win

10:15 , Mike Jones

Max Verstappen has decreed McLaren’s use of their “papaya rules” instruction for team orders during the 2024 F1 season as “nonsense” in a recent post-season interview.

The four-time world champion was involved in a title tussle with McLaren’s Lando Norris for most of the season, before sealing his fourth successive title in Las Vegas.

McLaren, meanwhile, were criticised by the likes of Nico Rosberg for their “papaya rules” instruction, which told Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri to take “extra care” when racing against each other.

Max Verstappen tears apart McLaren’s ‘papaya rules’ after F1 title win

Red Bull punt for youth over experience

10:05 , Mike Jones

Liam Lawson will replace Sergio Perez as Max Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull in 2025.

New Zealand driver Lawson, 22, has raced only 11 times in Formula One – five in 2023 and six in 2024 – but has been handed the opportunity of a lifetime after impressing in the closing races of this season. He replaced Daniel Ricciardo at RB in September and will fill in for Perez, who parted ways with Red Bull on Wednesday.

Lawson has been promoted by Christian Horner ahead of Yuki Tsunoda, who will race for the sister team Racing Bulls for the fifth successive year in 2025. Tsunoda has plenty of experience in F1 and would have been a strong teammate for Max Verstappen with many fans and pundits hoping to see him in a faster car following the post-season testing.

Instead, Lawson will take up the seat and look to secure his place with the team over the course of a full season.

It is expected that Red Bull junior and this year’s F2 runner-up Isack Hadjar will replace Lawson at RB. Williams’ Franco Colapinto is the other name in the fray.

Who is Liam Lawson? The driver to take over from Sergio Perez

09:56 , Mike Jones

As reported earlier, Liam Lawson will be the man to take Sergio Perez’s seat with the main Red Bull team in 2025 ahead of Yuki Tsunoda.

But who is the young New Zealand driver?

The 22-year-old joined the Red Bull junior team in 2019, and became the reserve driver for Red Bull in 2022. He later made his F1 debut in a reserve role at the 2023 Dutch GP, for AlphaTauri.

After Daniel Ricciardo was dropped after this year’s Singapore GP, Lawson took his place in the rebranded RB team, finishing as high as ninth in Sao Paulo and Austin.

Sergio Perez’s dreadful form cost Red Bull 2024 F1 title – the Mexican had to go

09:49 , Mike Jones

The beginning of the end for Sergio Perez at Red Bull was further back than you think, after the Mexican finally confirmed a predictable outcome on Wednesday following a disastrous season. For it was not the embarrassing Q1 exit in Hungary in July, after a crash in practice the day before. Nor was it the expensive first-lap crash on the streets of Monacoin the spring. Instead, it was May 2023, and a time when events were altogether rosier for the now dispirited Mexican.

Heading into last year’s Miami Grand Prix, Perez was being tilted as a genuine title contender. Or rather, given Red Bull’s car dominance, Max Verstappen’s only title contender. Both drivers had split wins in the first four races and on his favoured street track configuration, Perez took pole in Florida. Verstappen started in ninth.

Perez’s dreadful form cost Red Bull 2024 F1 title – he had to go

Perez thanks Red Bull

09:43 , Mike Jones

“I’m incredibly grateful for the past four years with Red Bull Racing and for the opportunity to race with such an amazing team,” Sergio Perez said in a statement about his departure.

“Driving for Red Bull has been an unforgettable experience, and I’ll always cherish the success we achieved together. We broke records, reached remarkable milestones and I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people along the way.

“A big thank you to every person in the team from management, engineers and mechanics, catering, hospitality, kitchen, marketing and communications, as well as everyone at Milton Keynes. I wish you all the best for the future.”

He also extended a thank you to teammate Max Verstappen, adding: “It’s also been an honour to race alongside Max as a teammate all these years and to share in our success.”

In the final part of his statement, Perez gave “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!”

Sergio Perez exit was inevitable

09:35 , Mike Jones

For Sergio Perez it was only a matter of when rather than if Red Bull would let him go. The axe fell on Wednesday and today his replacement has been confirmed in the shape of Liam Lawson.

Perez joined the team in 2021, but this season came under increasing pressure as the Formula One campaign wore on – finishing a whopping 285 points behind his team-mate Max Verstappen as Red Bull surrendered their constructors’ championship title to McLaren.

Verstappen clinched his fourth consecutive drivers’ world title while Perez, 34, finished eighth in the standings, failing to finish in the top five in his final 18 races for the team.

‘Checo has been a fantastic member of this team'

09:28 , Mike Jones

Horner spoke to Sky Sports regarding Sergio Perez’s future, saying: “Checo has been a fantastic member of this team, it’s been a tough year for him, but he’s a great person and played a key role in 2021 drivers’ championship.

“We sat down and discussed it last week. He’s decided to take a bit of time out, take a sabbatical from Formula 1 essentially. He’ll still be involved with the brand and the team. But he’s stepping back from driving duties moving forward.

“We’re sad to see him leave the team. It’s time for him to spend time with his family and reflect on what he wants to do for the future.”

Horner on Lawson appointment

09:20 , Mike Jones

Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, stated on Wednesday that Sergio Perez would be taking a sabbatical in 2025 after four years with the team. As part of this morning’s announcement he labelled Liam Lawson as a “real racer.”

“I’m delighted to announce that Liam Lawson will join the Team in 2025,” Horner said.

“Liam’s performances over the course of his two stints with Racing Bulls have demonstrated that he’s not only capable of delivering strong results but that he’s also a real racer, not afraid to mix it with the best and come out on top.

“His arrival continues the team’s long history of promoting from within the Red Bull Junior Programme and he follows in the footsteps of championship and race-winning drivers such as Sebastian Vettel and of course, Max Verstappen.

“There’s no doubt that racing alongside Max, a four-time champion and undoubtedly one of the greatest drivers ever seen in F1, is a daunting task, but I’m sure Liam can rise to that challenge and deliver some outstanding results for us next year.”

Lawson reacts to earning Red Bull seat

09:14 , Mike Jones

“To be announced as a 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,” Liam Lawson said after the announcement that he will be partnering Max Verstappen in 2025.

“It’s been an incredible journey so far. I want to say a massive thank you to the whole team at RB for their support, the last six races have played a huge part in my preparation for this next step.

“I also want to thank, Christian [Horner], Helmut [Marko] and the whole Red Bull family for believing in me and giving me this opportunity.

“I am super excited to work alongside Max and learn from a World Champion, I have no doubt I will learn from his expertise. I can’t wait to get going!”

Liam Lawson announced as Sergio Perez replacement

09:03 , Mike Jones

Red Bull Racing have confirmed that Liam Lawson will replace Sergio Perez for the 2025 season and partner Max Verstappen. The released a statement which reads:

“Oracle Red Bull Racing is pleased to announce that Liam Lawson will complete the Tema’s driver line-up for the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship, moving across from Visa Cash App Racing Bulls to partner four-time World Champion Max Verstappen.

“New Zealand native Liam joined the Red Bull Junior Programme in 2019 and after multiple junior formula successes made his Formula One debut with Scuderia AlphaTauri at the 2023 Italian Grand Prix, in place of the injured Daniel Ricciardo. He scored his first championship points in just his second outing at the Singapore GP and completed five races in all for the team. After taking up his Reserve Driver role with both teams at the start of 2024, Liam returned to Grand Prix racing with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls with a points-scoring finish at this year’s United States Grand Prix. Now, after completing the season with VCARB the 22-year-old takes the next step in his career with a seat a Oracle Red Bull Racing.”

Sergio Perez leaves Red Bull

08:52 , Kieran Jackson

Perez did not finish on the podium after he was third in China in April, while his last race win came in April last year.

He won twice in the 2023 season, while 27-year-old Verstappen triumphed a record 19 times.

Perez had been adamant all season that he would remain at Red Bull next year, despite a woeful run of results that ultimately cost the team their constructors’ title, which was won by McLaren.

Red Bull said further announcements regarding their driver line-up for next year would be made in due course – that annoucement could come today.

Sergio Perez leaves Red Bull

08:44 , Kieran Jackson

“I’m incredibly grateful for the past four years with Oracle Red Bull Racing and for the opportunity to race with such an amazing team,” Perez said in a statement.

“Driving for Red Bull has been an unforgettable experience and I’ll always cherish the successes we achieved together. We broke records, reached remarkable milestones, and I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people along the way...

“It has also been an honour to race alongside Max as a teammate all these years and to share in our success. We’ll meet again soon. And remember... Never give up.”

Perez has departed the team after four years (Getty Images)

Sergio Perez leaves Red Bull

08:22 , Lawrence Ostlere

A reminder of the news yesterday that Mexican driver Sergio Perez has left Red Bull after reaching an agreement with the Formula One team to part ways with immediate effect, both announced on Wednesday.

Perez, who has won six Grands Prix across 14 seasons, joined the Milton Keynes outfit in 2021. He helped them claim the Constructors’ Championship title in 2022 and 2023 and was the runner-up in the Drivers’ Championship last year.

The 34-year-old signed a new deal with Red Bull until 2026 earlier this year, but his place as Max Verstappen’s teammate came under intense scrutiny.

He finished eighth in the Drivers’ Championship this season, 285 points behind Verstappen, who secured his fourth successive drivers’ title and won nine races, while Perez was the only driver from the top four teams without a win this year.

Sergio Perez’s dreadful form cost Red Bull 2024 F1 title – he had to go

07:54 , Lawrence Ostlere

By F1 correspondent Kieran Jackson:

The beginning of the end for Sergio Perez at Red Bull was further back than you think, after the Mexican finally confirmed a predictable outcome on Wednesday following a disastrous season. For it was not the embarrassing Q1 exit in Hungary in July, after a crash in practice the day before. Nor was it the expensive first-lap crash on the streets of Monaco in the spring. Instead, it was May 2023, and a time when events were altogether rosier for the now dispirited Mexican.

Heading into last year’s Miami Grand Prix, Perez was being tilted as a genuine title contender. Or rather, given Red Bull’s car dominance, Max Verstappen’s only title contender. Both drivers had split wins in the first four races and on his favoured street track configuration, Perez took pole in Florida. Verstappen started in ninth.

Yet since the irrepressible Dutchman stormed through the field that day to claim what would be his third of 19 victories in 2023, the contrast in fortunes between the two Red Bull drivers has been colossal.

Since that day, Verstappen has won 25 grands prix. Perez has won zero.

Read more:

Perez’s dreadful form cost Red Bull 2024 F1 title – he had to go

Christian Horner coy on Red Bull line-up

07:00 , Luke Baker

When asked about the potential replacements for Perez, Horner had this to say: “Now, we have all of the information we need, it’ll be a choice between Yuki [Tsunoda] and Liam [Lawson] and both have got strong credentials.

“We tested Yuki recently in Abu Dhabi, had a chance to work with the engineer team, while Liam has tested a lot with us and driven well. [We’re\ considering all of that. We’ll conclude in the coming days.

“The most important thing for us, to make sure we have two drivers performing as closely as possible.

“We’ll have a Hamilton and Leclerc line-up [at Ferrari], Norris and Piastri [at McLaren], we’ve seen what that’s capable of, George Russell with another newcomer in Kimi Antonelli [at Mercedes] – it’ll be very tight next year. What is the best line-up we can field?”

(Getty Images)

Five burning questions heading into the 2025 F1 season

06:00 , Luke Baker

After the finale of the 2024 season in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, it is now only 94 days until we do it all again in 2025.

Next year has the potential to be an all-time great Formula 1 season. Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is the main attraction, but there are also at least four new drivers on the grid next year – rookies Ollie Bearman, Kimi Antonelli, Jack Doohan and Gabriel Bortoleto.

Yet after Max Verstappen won the drivers’ title and McLaren claimed the constructors’ crown, both championships look wide open for next year.

The five burning F1 questions heading into 2025 season

Red Bull adviser drops hint over 2025 F1 seat

05:00 , Luke Baker

Yuki Tsunoda appears to have improved his chances of grabbing a Red Bull seat in the 2025 Formula One season.

The Japanese driver has shone in the post-race Abu Dhabi test, with speculation surrounding Sergio Perez’s future and a decision forthcoming from Christian Horner.

Max Verstappen has described the criticism of Perez as “harsh”, with Tsunoda under consideration to replace ‘Checo’. Yet one of the reasons to look for an alternative to Tsunoda was largely dismissed in Abu Dhabi, with adviser Helmut Marko promising news in the next week.

“On the question of what the driver pairing will look like next year, we will have news in the next days,” Marko said in his Speedweek.com column.

Red Bull adviser drops hint over 2025 seat

F1 2024 season awards: Best driver, biggest shock and worst race

04:00 , Luke Baker

That’s a wrap. After a record-breaking 24 races, the 2024 F1 season concluded on Sunday in Abu Dhabi with Lando Norris guiding McLaren to constructors’ glory.

What a topsy-turvy, constantly evolving season it has been. From Red Bull’s dominance on the track and turmoil in the paddock at the start of the season to multiple winners and riveting racing, there has been drama at every turn.

For the first time since 2021, too, we had a genuine title race, and while Max Verstappen ultimately claimed his fourth successive world championship, Norris pushed him to the final three races.

F1 2024 season awards: Best driver, biggest shock and worst race

Christian Horner doesn’t regret Sergio Perez contract extension

03:00 , Luke Baker

On the decision to extend Perez’s contract over the summer, Horner said: “At the time he’d had four podiums in five races, it was a logical extension to remove speculation, of which there was already too much around the team,” explained the team principal.

“Every contract has performance clauses and criteria, it didn’t make any difference to this decision for Sergio to step away and take a sabbatical.”

On the constructor’s championship, he added: “In hindsight, McLaren did a great job. But at the end of the day, we won more races, we had more poles, we won four sprint races, more than any other team, and we won the drivers’ championship with two races to go.

“Unfortunately we had a 280-point deficit between our drivers, of course that became quite expensive in terms of the constructors’ championship.”

Horner: “Checo has been a fantastic member of this team”

02:00 , Luke Baker

Horner spoke to Sky Sports regarding Perez’s future, saying: “Checo has been a fantastic member of this team, it’s been a tough year for him, but he’s a great person and played a key role in 2021 drivers’ championship.

“We sat down and discussed it last week. He’s decided to take a bit of time out, take a sabbatical from Formula 1 essentially. He’ll still be involved with the brand and the team. But he’s stepping back from driving duties moving forward.

“We’re sad to see him leave the team. It’s time for him to spend time with his family and reflect on what he wants to do for the future.”

Sergio Perez’s next move after Red Bull exit revealed by Christian Horner

01:01 , Luke Baker

Christian Horner has revealed what Sergio Perez’s next move will be after Red Bull confirmed his exit following a disastrous 2024 F1 season.

The Mexican endured a torrid run of results this year as he finished eighth in the drivers’ standings – a mammoth 285 points behind teammate and champion Max Verstappen.

The 34-year-old’s sub-par performances ultimately cost Red Bull the constructors’ title as McLaren pipped Ferrari to the crown in the final race of the season, thanks to Lando Norris’s win in Abu Dhabi.

And Red Bull boss Horner has now explained what Perez will do ahead of the 2025 campaign, with no other seat lined up.

Sergio Perez’s next move after Red Bull exit revealed by Christian Horner

Sergio Perez’s dreadful form cost Red Bull 2024 F1 title – the Mexican had to go

Wednesday 18 December 2024 23:59 , Luke Baker

The beginning of the end for Sergio Perez at Red Bull was further back than you think, after the Mexican finally confirmed a predictable outcome on Wednesday following a disastrous season. For it was not the embarrassing Q1 exit in Hungary in July, after a crash in practice the day before. Nor was it the expensive first-lap crash on the streets of Monacoin the spring. Instead, it was May 2023, and a time when events were altogether rosier for the now dispirited Mexican.

Heading into last year’s Miami Grand Prix, Perez was being tilted as a genuine title contender. Or rather, given Red Bull’s car dominance, Max Verstappen’s only title contender. Both drivers had split wins in the first four races and on his favoured street track configuration, Perez took pole in Florida. Verstappen started in ninth.

Read Kieran Jackson’s full analysis:

Perez’s dreadful form cost Red Bull 2024 F1 title – he had to go

Liam Lawson is expected to replace Perez at Red Bull

Wednesday 18 December 2024 23:00 , Luke Baker

Liam Lawson set to be promoted from RB to become Max Verstappen’s teammate.

Lawson, who replaced Daniel Ricciardo at RB in September, has impressed since filling in for the Australian and The Independent understands Lawson will be the man to take Perez’s seat with the main Red Bull team in 2025 ahead of Yuki Tsunoda.

(Getty Images)

Sergio Perez confirms Red Bull exit after disastrous F1 season

Wednesday 18 December 2024 22:00 , Luke Baker

Sergio Perez has been dropped by Red Bull for the 2025 F1 season – with Liam Lawson set to be promoted from RB to become Max Verstappen’s teammate.

The world champions, who extended Perez’s deal to the end of the 2025 season at the beginning of June, have made the change following a torrid run of results for the Mexican this year.

The 34-year-old, who has raced in F1 for 14 consecutive seasons, finished eighth in the drivers’ standings – a mammoth 285 points behind teammate and champion Verstappen.

Sergio Perez confirms Red Bull exit after disastrous F1 season

Wednesday 18 December 2024 21:00 , Chris Wilson

After the finale of the 2024 season in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, it is now only 94 days until we do it all again in 2025.

Next year has the potential to be an all-time great Formula 1 season. Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is the main attraction, but there are also at least four new drivers on the grid next year – rookies Ollie Bearman, Kimi Antonelli, Jack Doohan and Gabriel Bortoleto.

Yet after Max Verstappen won the drivers’ title and McLaren claimed the constructors’ crown, both championships look wide open for next year.

The five burning F1 questions heading into 2025 season

F1 2024 Season award: Rising star

Wednesday 18 December 2024 20:40 , Chris Wilson

Ollie Bearman

A debut of dreams for the British teenager in Saudi Arabia, filling in seamlessly for Carlos Sainz to score points on his F1 debut for Ferrari.

From that moment on, his 2025 seat at Haas was virtually secured. He took his chance. It did not matter that he finished a lowly 12th in the F2 standings.

Podium places: Gabriel Bortoleto; Franco Colapinto

(Getty Images)

F1 2024 Season award: Race of the year

Wednesday 18 December 2024 20:20 , Chris Wilson

Brazilian Grand Prix

A championship-deciding, drama-inducing weekend in Sao Paulo.

Heavy rain meant we had qualifying on Sunday morning and, such is the grid that formed, it looked set to result in a massive points swing in Norris’s favour. There were also five crashes in helter-skelter qualifying minutes.

But the race proved to be a masterclass in wet-weather driving from Verstappen. While others slipped and slid across the racetrack and into the walls, the Dutchman was the epitome of perfection.

Podium places: British Grand Prix; Austrian Grand Prix

(Getty Images)

F1 2024 Season award: Moment of the year

Wednesday 18 December 2024 20:00 , Chris Wilson

Lando Norris winning the Miami GP

This was a tough call. But Norris had been waiting for his first F1 victory for so long that, when it came, the jubilation was palpable.

It was also the first indication of McLaren’s rapid race-pace, setting up a thriller of a 2024 season.

Podium places: Lewis Hamilton wins British GP, Max Verstappen wins Brazil GP

F1 2024 season awards: Best driver, biggest shock and worst race

Wednesday 18 December 2024 19:40 , Chris Wilson

That’s a wrap. After a record-breaking 24 races, the 2024 F1 season concluded on Sunday in Abu Dhabi with Lando Norris guiding McLaren to constructors’ glory.

What a topsy-turvy, constantly evolving season it has been. From Red Bull’s dominance on the track and turmoil in the paddock at the start of the season to multiple winners and riveting racing, there has been drama at every turn.

For the first time since 2021, too, we had a genuine title race, and while Max Verstappen ultimately claimed his fourth successive world championship, Norris pushed him to the final three races.

F1 2024 season awards: Best driver, biggest shock and worst race

Who is Liam Lawson? The driver tipped to take over from Sergio Perez

Wednesday 18 December 2024 19:20 , Chris Wilson

As reported earlier, The Independent understands Liam Lawson will be the man to take Perez’s seat with the main Red Bull team in 2025 ahead of Yuki Tsunoda.

But who is the young New Zealand driver?

The 22-year-old joined the Red Bull junior team in 2019, and became the reserve driver for Red Bull in 2022. He later made his F1 debut in a reserve role at the 2023 Dutch GP, for AlphaTauri.

After Daniel Ricciardo was dropped after this year’s Singapore GP, Lawson took his place in the rebranded RB team, finishing as high as ninth in Sao Paulo and Austin.

(Getty Images)

Red Bull adviser drops hint over 2025 F1 seat

Wednesday 18 December 2024 19:00 , Chris Wilson

Yuki Tsunoda appears to have improved his chances of grabbing a Red Bull seat in the 2025 Formula One season.

The Japanese driver has shone in the post-race Abu Dhabi test, with speculation surrounding Sergio Perez’s future and a decision forthcoming from Christian Horner.

Max Verstappen has described the criticism of Perez as “harsh”, with Tsunoda under consideration to replace ‘Checo’. Yet one of the reasons to look for an alternative to Tsunoda was largely dismissed in Abu Dhabi, with adviser Helmut Marko promising news in the next week.

“On the question of what the driver pairing will look like next year, we will have news in the next days,” Marko said in his Speedweek.com column.

Red Bull adviser drops hint over 2025 seat

F1 2024 final standings as McLaren beat Ferrari to constructors title

Wednesday 18 December 2024 18:40 , Chris Wilson

Lando Norris secured a dominant victory at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to win McLaren their first constructors’ championship since 1998.

The 25-year-old’s fourth win of the season meant McLaren held off the charge of Ferrari as team-mate Oscar Piastri finished only 10th after an eventful race for the Australian at the Yas Marina Circuit.

Ferrari pair Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc were second and third to push McLaren all the way but Norris’ win was enough to secure the title.

F1 2024 final standings as McLaren beat Ferrari to constructors title

Horner coy on Red Bull line-up

Wednesday 18 December 2024 18:30 , Chris Wilson

When asked about the potential replacements for Perez, Horner had this to say: “Now, we have all of the information we need, it’ll be a choice between Yuki [Tsunoda] and Liam [Lawson] and both have got strong credentials.

“We tested Yuki recently in Abu Dhabi, had a chance to work with the engineer team, while Liam has tested a lot with us and driven well. [We’re\ considering all of that. We’ll conclude in the coming days.

“The most important thing for us, to make sure we have two drivers performing as closely as possible.

“We’ll have a Hamilton and Leclerc line-up [at Ferrari], Norris and Piastri [at McLaren], we’ve seen what that’s capable of, George Russell with another newcomer in Kimi Antonelli [at Mercedes] – it’ll be very tight next year. What is the best line-up we can field?”

(Getty Images)

More from Horner

Wednesday 18 December 2024 18:25 , Chris Wilson

On the decision to extend Perez’s contract over the summer, Horner said: “At the time he’d had four podiums in five races, it was a logical extension to remove speculation, of which there was already too much around the team,” explained the team principal.

“Every contract has performance clauses and criteria, it didn’t make any difference to this decision for Sergio to step away and take a sabbatical.”

On the constructor’s championship, he added: “In hindsight, McLaren did a great job. But at the end of the day, we won more races, we had more poles, we won four sprint races, more than any other team, and we won the drivers’ championship with two races to go.

“Unfortunately we had a 280-point deficit between our drivers, of course that became quite expensive in terms of the constructors’ championship.”

Horner: “Checo has been a fantastic member of this team"

Wednesday 18 December 2024 18:17 , Chris Wilson

Horner spoke to Sky Sports regarding Perez’s future, saying: “Checo has been a fantastic member of this team, it’s been a tough year for him, but he’s a great person and played a key role in 2021 drivers’ championship.

“We sat down and discussed it last week. He’s decided to take a bit of time out, take a sabbatical from Formula 1 essentially. He’ll still be involved with the brand and the team. But he’s stepping back from driving duties moving forward.

“We’re sad to see him leave the team. It’s time for him to spend time with his family and reflect on what he wants to do for the future.”

Sergio Perez’s next move after Red Bull exit revealed by Christian Horner

Wednesday 18 December 2024 18:10 , Chris Wilson

Christian Horner has revealed what Sergio Perez’s next move will be after Red Bull confirmed his exit following a disastrous 2024 F1 season.

The Mexican endured a torrid run of results this year as he finished eighth in the drivers’ standings – a mammoth 285 points behind teammate and champion Max Verstappen.

The 34-year-old’s sub-par performances ultimately cost Red Bull the constructors’ title as McLaren pipped Ferrari to the crown in the final race of the season, thanks to Lando Norris’s win in Abu Dhabi.

And Red Bull boss Horner has now explained what Perez will do ahead of the 2025 campaign, with no other seat lined up.

Sergio Perez’s next move after Red Bull exit revealed by Christian Horner

Sergio Perez’s dreadful form cost Red Bull 2024 F1 title – the Mexican had to go

Wednesday 18 December 2024 18:00 , Chris Wilson

The beginning of the end for Sergio Perez at Red Bull was further back than you think, after the Mexican finally confirmed a predictable outcome on Wednesday following a disastrous season. For it was not the embarrassing Q1 exit in Hungary in July, after a crash in practice the day before. Nor was it the expensive first-lap crash on the streets of Monacoin the spring. Instead, it was May 2023, and a time when events were altogether rosier for the now dispirited Mexican.

Heading into last year’s Miami Grand Prix, Perez was being tilted as a genuine title contender. Or rather, given Red Bull’s car dominance, Max Verstappen’s only title contender. Both drivers had split wins in the first four races and on his favoured street track configuration, Perez took pole in Florida. Verstappen started in ninth.

Perez’s dreadful form cost Red Bull 2024 F1 title – he had to go

More from Horner

Wednesday 18 December 2024 17:51 , Chris Wilson

"While Checo will not race for the team next season, he will always be an extremely popular team member and a treasured part of our history.

“Thank you, Checo,” added Horner at the end of his statement.

(Getty Images)

Horner: Perez “a treasured part of our history"

Wednesday 18 December 2024 17:46 , Chris Wilson

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner also gave a statement, in which he thanked Perez and praised his contribution over the years.

“I would like to thank Checo for all he has done for Oracle Red Bull Racing over the past four seasons," Horner said.

“From the moment he joined in 2021 he proved himself to be an extraordinary team player, helping us to two constructors' titles and to our first 1-2 finish in the drivers' championship,” he added.

Perez: “We’ll meet again soon"

Wednesday 18 December 2024 17:41 , Chris Wilson

In the final part of his statement, Perez gave "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!"

Perez’s future in F1 remains in doubt, with no seat currently available on the grid next season.

More from Perez

Wednesday 18 December 2024 17:37 , Chris Wilson

"A big thank you to every person in the team from management, engineers and mechanics, catering, hospitality, kitchen, marketing and communications, as well as everyone at Milton Keynes. I wish you all the best for the future.

He also extended a thank you to teammate Max Verstappen, adding: “It's also been an honour to race alongside Max as a teammate all these years and to share in our success.”

Perez statement

Wednesday 18 December 2024 17:31 , Chris Wilson

Perez has released a statement regarding the news, in which he thanks Red Bull and reflects on his time there.

"I'm incredibly grateful for the past four years with Red Bull Racing and for the opportunity to race with such an amazing team,” he said.

“Driving for Red Bull has been an unforgettable experience, and I'll always cherish the success we achieved together.

“We broke records, reached remarkable milestones and I've had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people along the way.”

(Getty Images)

Perez exit was inevitable result of poor season

Wednesday 18 December 2024 17:22 , Lawrence Ostlere

For Perez, it was a matter of when rather than if Red Bull would let him go.

He joined the team in 2021, but this season came under increasing pressure as the Formula One campaign wore on – finishing a whopping 285 points behind his team-mate Max Verstappen as Red Bull surrendered their constructors’ championship title to McLaren.

Verstappen clinched his fourth consecutive drivers’ world title while Perez, 34, finished eighth in the standings, failing to finish in the top five in his final 18 races for the team.

Perez was almost constantly outshone by his teammate Verstappen (Getty Images)

Liam Lawson is expected to replace Perez at Red Bull

Wednesday 18 December 2024 17:16 , Lawrence Ostlere

Liam Lawson set to be promoted from RB to become Max Verstappen’s teammate.

Lawson, who replaced Daniel Ricciardo at RB in September, has impressed since filling in for the Australian and The Independent understands Lawson will be the man to take Perez’s seat with the main Red Bull team in 2025 ahead of Yuki Tsunoda.

Liam Lawson has impressed in his time driving for RB (Getty Images)

Confirmed: Sergio Perez leaves Red Bull

Wednesday 18 December 2024 17:12 , Lawrence Ostlere

The worst-kept secret in Formula One has today been confirmed: Sergio Perez is leaving Red Bull and will not be part of the team next season.

Full story:

Sergio Perez confirms Red Bull exit after disastrous F1 season

Sergio Perez news LIVE

Wednesday 18 December 2024 16:42 , Lawrence Ostlere

Welcome along to live reaction to the news that Sergio Perez has been axed by Red Bull ahead of the 2025 F1 season.

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