While all media attention is primarily focused on Lewis Hamilton‘s debut at Ferrari, Liam Lawson has also begun his first obligations as a full-time driver for Red Bull. The New Zealander will replace Sergio Pérez as Max Verstappen’s teammate starting from the Australian Grand Prix.
Just like Hamilton in Maranello, Lawson’s first order of business in Milton Keynes is a tour of the Red Bull Technology Campus. This is not the driver’s first visit to the Austrian racing team’s headquarters. The New Zealander has been a member of the Red Bull family since 2019, and served as a reserve driver for both Red Bull and sister team Racing Bulls from 2022 to 2024.
“Of course, it’s not a new team for me, as I’ve been here for a few years,” Lawson comments on his first day of work via Red Bull’s social media channels. The New Zealander also reveals the highlight of his visit to Milton Keynes. “It’s just cool to see everyone I’ve been working with for a few years again. And to now officially be a (Red Bull) driver, that’s awesome.”
Advice from Marko
In 2024, Lawson was promoted for the first time, when he was allowed to replace Daniel Ricciardo as Yuki Tsunoda’s teammate after the Singapore Grand Prix. Ultimately, the choice between Lawson and Tsunoda to replace the departed Sergio Pérez in December came down to Lawson, who came out on top.
Thus, Lawson becomes the fifth driver to join Max Verstappen at Red Bull. Advisor Helmut Marko had an immediate tip for the New Zealander: “Accept that Max Verstappen is the best and see how far you can go.”
Liam Lawson visits the Red Bull Technology Campus for the first time as a permanent driver for the team.
