Red Bull has recognized that Liam Lawson is up against a significant challenge when competing with Max Verstappen.

Christian Horner, the head of the Red Bull team, has acknowledged that joining Max Verstappen as a teammate in Formula 1 will be a challenging prospect for Liam Lawson.

A 22-year-old from New Zealand has been elevated from the Racing Bulls team to join world champion Verstappen in 2025, after Red Bull decided to release Sergio Perez.

On Thursday, Lawson's advancement was officially announced, following the news of Perez's exit from Red Bull, which broke on Wednesday.

Even though Lawson has participated in just 11 grand prix races during his two separate periods with Racing Bulls in the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Red Bull is confident that he is prepared to team up with four-time world champion Verstappen.

Lawson is set to be Verstappen's fifth partner at Red Bull since 2016, succeeding Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and Perez.

Partnering with Verstappen in Formula 1 is considered the most challenging role due to the Dutch driver's remarkable consistency and exceptional performance.

After Ricciardo's departure from the team, Red Bull has determined that Gasly, Albon, and Perez do not meet the criteria for the second seat.

Horner referred to Lawson as a "true competitor" and recognized the significant challenge that lies ahead for Red Bull's latest driver.

"Liam has shown through his time with Racing Bulls that he can consistently achieve impressive outcomes. According to Horner, Liam is a true competitor who isn't hesitant to challenge the top racers and emerge victorious."

Competing with Max, who has won the championship four times and is considered one of the all-time greats in Formula 1, is certainly intimidating. However, I am confident that Liam has the ability to meet this challenge and achieve impressive results for our team in the coming year.

Lawson aims to gain insights from Verstappen

Despite not decisively outperforming his teammate, Lawson was chosen over Yuki Tsunoda and is eager to draw on Verstappen's "expertise" for guidance.

Lawson expressed that being named a driver for Red Bull Racing is a dream he has had since he was eight years old, and he has been striving to achieve this goal throughout his life.

The journey up to this point has been amazing. I'm really thrilled to team up with Max and gain insights from a world champion. I'm certain that his knowledge will be invaluable to me. I'm eager to start.

Lawson's lap times were generally slower than Tsunoda's by 0.077 seconds, and he only managed to outpace the Japanese driver in qualifying for the sprint events in Brazil and Qatar.

Red Bull believes that Lawson has the potential to advance further, having shown impressive abilities both in single-lap performance and throughout race distances. Additionally, Lawson has caught Red Bull's attention with his technical insights and strong mindset.

Upon his return following Red Bull's decision to part ways with Ricciardo, Lawson made an immediate impact by delivering an impressive performance. He navigated through the pack to secure a ninth-place finish at the United States Grand Prix.

He ended the race in the same spot at a chaotic and rainy Sao Paulo Grand Prix, after achieving his best-ever qualifying position of fifth place.

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Max Verstappen shares a goodbye note with Sergio Perez, expressing gratitude by saying, "I will always be grateful."

Max Verstappen honors Sergio Perez.

Max Verstappen expressed his gratitude towards Sergio Perez, appreciating his directness and sincerity throughout their partnership as teammates in Formula 1.

On Wednesday, Red Bull revealed that they would be ending their partnership with Perez before the 2025 season, effectively concluding his career in Formula 1 for the time being.

Just 24 hours afterward, it was revealed that Liam Lawson would be joining Verstappen as his new teammate for the 2025 season.

Lawson is set to become the fifth teammate of Verstappen at Red Bull, following in the footsteps of Perez, Alex Albon, Pierre Gasly, and Daniel Ricciardo.

Verstappen expressed his appreciation for Perez's role at Red Bull, highlighting not only his skills as an F1 teammate but also his admirable personal qualities.

In a brief video shared on Red Bull's social media platforms, he remarked, "I recall this moment [referring to a photo of Perez and Verstappen celebrating in parc ferme following the 2021 Abu Dhabi race]."

"He has been an excellent teammate to me. As evident in this image, his assistance in that race was crucial, and it wouldn't have been possible without him. I will forever be grateful to him for that."

"I believe the key factor has always been to keep things enjoyable, simple, and sincere."

"It's rare to have a teammate about whom you can say so many positive things."

"I'm really grateful to Checo personally, not just as a colleague. Collaborating with him has been a great experience."

Perez's Key Contribution to Verstappen's Maiden F1 Championship

Although Red Bull did not secure the 2021 constructors’ championship, losing it to Mercedes, Perez's support was vital in assisting Verstappen to clinch the drivers’ championship.

During the Turkish Grand Prix, Perez's defensive driving prevented Lewis Hamilton from securing important points, possibly denying him a spot on the podium.

In the final race of the season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Perez played a pivotal role by firmly defending against and delaying Hamilton. This strategy prevented the seven-time world champion from having enough time for a pit stop when the Virtual Safety Car or Safety Car was activated.

Despite Michael Masi's mismanagement of the race, if Hamilton had managed to establish a large enough lead over Verstappen, he could have pitted to change to new tires and possibly stayed in front following the disputed Safety Car restart.

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2025 F1 Driver Line-Up: Which Drivers Are Confirmed and Speculated for the 2025 Season?

This is the current contract status for each F1 driver as we look towards the 2025 season.

Here is the list of Formula 1 drivers for the 2025 season, along with details about each driver's contract status.

Red Bull Racing has Max Verstappen secured under a long-term contract, though it includes a clause allowing him to leave if Helmut Marko departs from the team. However, Verstappen is confident that this scenario will not occur.

Sergio Perez's exit was revealed just one week prior to Christmas, after an unsuccessful season in 2024.

The following day, it was revealed that Liam Lawson would take his place.

Lewis Hamilton's major transfer to Ferrari in 2025 is the pivotal change that the driver market hinged on.

He will team up with Charles Leclerc, who has also signed a long-term contract to remain with the team.

Due to Hamilton joining the team, Carlos Sainz was displaced from his position.

Mercedes has secured George Russell's services through the conclusion of 2025. Meanwhile, the young prodigy Andrea Kimi Antonelli will move up from Formula 2 after only one season to take over from Lewis Hamilton, who is set to join Ferrari.

McLaren has secured long-term contracts for their thrilling pair of drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

Aston Martin announced that Lance Stroll, who is the son of the team's billionaire owner Lawrence Stroll, has secured a contract that extends into the next year and further into the future.

Fernando Alonso has entered into a long-term agreement with Aston Martin, severing ties with Mercedes.

Williams successfully secured a deal to add Ferrari's Carlos Sainz to their team.

Carlos Sainz was replaced by Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, leading him to explore opportunities with teams such as Mercedes, Red Bull, Sauber, and Alpine during the initial months of 2024.

As his choices became limited, he decided to trust the team led by James Vowles.

Renowned racer Alex Albon has caught the attention of leading teams, yet he has once again expressed his dedication to staying with Williams.

For the second half of 2024, Franco Colapinto will be driving for Williams, having taken over from Logan Sargeant. Colapinto currently has no contract for the 2025 season, and Williams does not have a spot available for him. However, other teams are reportedly interested in him.

Pierre Gasly has entered into a new extended agreement with Alpine.

The team announced that Esteban Ocon will not be part of their driving lineup in 2025.

Jack Doohan was announced as the successor to Ocon. Doohan is set to participate in his first season as a rookie in 2025.

Visa Cash Application Report: RB Update

Despite not securing a position with Red Bull's main team, Yuki Tsunoda will continue to be part of the RB organization.

As Lawson advances to a higher position, Isack Hadjar is anticipated to fill his previous role.

Nico Hulkenberg is set to leave Haas and sign a multi-year contract with Sauber beginning in 2025.

Gabriel Bortoleto, who is currently competing in Formula 2, has been chosen to partner with Hulkenberg. Bortoleto is set to start his first season in Formula 1 next year.

Valtteri Bottas and Guanyu Zhou of Sauber were released from their contracts by the team.

Starting in 2026, Sauber will be rebranded as Audi, with the German company having ambitious goals.

Haas F1 Team has announced that Nico Hulkenberg is set to depart for Sauber. Additionally, Kevin Magnussen's contract is coming to an end, and the team has confirmed his departure as well.

Ferrari's young talent, Oliver Bearman, made a significant impact during his first Formula 1 appearance, stepping in for the unwell Carlos Sainz. As a result of his impressive performance, he has secured a permanent position at Haas, taking over from Hulkenberg.

Esteban Ocon has joined the team alongside Bearman, moving over from Alpine.

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What lies ahead for Yuki Tsunoda following Red Bull's decision for 2025?

Yuki Tsunoda finds himself at a pivotal moment in his F1 career after Red Bull's 2025 decision, reports Lewis Larkam.

Yuki Tsunoda is approaching a pivotal moment in his Formula 1 career after not being selected by the top-tier Red Bull team.

Red Bull has opted to elevate their Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson to replace Sergio Perez in 2025, resulting in Yuki Tsunoda spending a fifth season with their secondary team. Isack Hadjar, a Red Bull junior who finished as the runner-up in the Formula 2 championship, is anticipated to be his teammate.

Red Bull's decision strongly indicates that they do not consider Tsunoda a viable candidate for their main team. Instead, they see him as a valuable benchmark for evaluating other young drivers while he competes with their affiliated team.

Although this approach has benefited Tsunoda for multiple years, he believes he is now prepared for advancement.

Yuki Tsunoda, who managed to outpace Liam Lawson in qualifying at each of the six races that the New Zealander participated in towards the end of 2024, recently expressed to Sky Sports F1 that his focus remains solely on delivering strong performances as he has been doing this year.

"I have confidence in my abilities and aim to demonstrate my steady achievements, hoping that it will eventually alter their perspective."

"I will give my best effort and am confident in my abilities once I join Red Bull."

Although he stated that he had "impressed" Red Bull with his technical insights during his test drive at the end of the season in the RB20, he will not receive that chance. Instead, Lawson has been chosen for the 2025 season.

Tsunoda has demonstrated his speed in single-lap performance, achieving a superior qualifying record compared to Ricciardo and Lawson. Additionally, he has improved his consistency as a driver and has addressed his emotional reactions and outbursts during team radio communications, which were considered his most significant flaw.

At 24 years old, the seasoned Japanese grand prix driver, having nearly 100 races under his belt, is confronted with a challenging career decision: should he remain with the Red Bull team and aim to sway their opinion, or should he depart to pursue new opportunities with a different team?

Which other teams might Tsunoda consider joining?

Red Bull has decided to keep Tsunoda for now, but their agreement only lasts through the 2025 season. This means he will become a free agent in 2026, coinciding with major changes to F1's regulations.

If Tsunoda chooses to part ways with Red Bull, one of the most fascinating possibilities could be joining Aston Martin.

In an exciting development, Aston Martin is set to transform into Honda's official Formula 1 team. This change will occur when Honda assumes the role of their power unit supplier, taking over from Mercedes, starting in 2026.

Due to his association with Honda, Tsunoda is already being connected to Aston Martin.

However, making such a decision would ultimately rely on elements that Tsunoda cannot influence.

The initial question revolves around whether Fernando Alonso will choose to continue his illustrious Formula 1 career once his existing contract concludes at the end of the 2026 season.

The double world champion, set to turn 45 when his contract expires, has confessed he is viewing 2026 as potentially his last year in Formula 1. Nevertheless, the Spanish driver is not ruling out the possibility of extending his career beyond that.

The key factor influencing Alonso's decision will be how competitive Aston Martin is as Formula 1 enters a new regulatory period, with their car being designed by Adrian Newey. Should Alonso see any possibility of clinching a third world championship, he is likely to remain with the team.

The second seat belongs to Lance Stroll, whose father, Lawrence, is the billionaire owner of Aston Martin. Lance's position is essentially secure for as long as he wishes to continue racing, and it seems unlikely that his father would remove him from the team.

While the partnership between Aston Martin and Honda could be very attractive to Tsunoda, there might not be a spot available for him.

There might be opportunities with the Audi Formula 1 team set to launch in 2026, contingent on the performances of recent additions Nico Hulkenberg and newcomer Gabriel Bortoleto. Alternatively, positions could be available at Cadillac, which appears on track to become the 11th team in the world championship.

The initiative supported by General Motors could be a potential path for Tsunoda if he is interested in creating a team centered around himself, akin to what former Red Bull drivers Alex Albon and Pierre Gasly have achieved with Williams and Alpine, respectively.

Yuki Tsunoda might find motivation in Carlos Sainz’s achievements, which came after he parted ways with Red Bull when he was similarly passed over.

The driver, who has won four grand prix races, has previously competed for McLaren and Ferrari and is now transitioning to Williams, demonstrating that change can lead to better opportunities.

Red Bull's decision to overlook Tsunoda could lead him to think about switching to a different team.

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Title: The F1 Drivers Red Bull Dropped Early

Sergio Perez managed to remain with Red Bull for four years before being let go at the conclusion of the 2024 F1 season. However, numerous other drivers at Red Bull faced dismissal much sooner…

Christian Klien

At the beginning of Red Bull's journey in Formula 1, Christian Klien was the initial casualty of the team's unforgiving approach.

After initially outperforming Vitantonio Liuzzi to claim the second seat at Red Bull next to David Coulthard, Klien was substituted by Liuzzi for four races, despite beginning the 2005 season strongly.

Following Liuzzi's inability to meet anticipated performance levels in his designated appearances, Klien was reinstated for the remainder of the season.

However, this situation did not last long. Klien was replaced by Robert Doornbos for the last races of the 2006 season. Despite this change, neither Klien nor Doornbos secured the position for 2007, as Red Bull opted to bring in Mark Webber instead.

Scott Speed made history as the first American to compete in Formula 1 since Michael Andretti did so in 1993. He was selected as a driver for Toro Rosso, partnering with Liuzzi, for the team's inaugural season in 2006.

After an underwhelming beginning to the 2007 season and not securing any points for Toro Rosso, Speed was replaced by the up-and-coming talent, Sebastian Vettel.

It was reported that Speed got into a physical fight with team boss Franz Tost, although Tost has refuted these claims. Speed also openly criticized his team prior to being let go after participating in 10 races.

Sebastien Bourdais joined Red Bull's secondary team as a partner to Sebastian Vettel. He found it challenging to keep up with his younger colleague and also faced some unfortunate situations.

During his debut, the French driver had to retire due to engine trouble after reaching as high as fourth place. In 2008 at Spa, he was set for a podium finish until late rain affected the race. His best qualifying position was ruined at Monza when his car failed to engage first gear on the starting grid. Additionally, he faced a contentious penalty in Japan that cost him a points finish.

Facing off against Swiss newcomer Sebastien Buemi in 2009 after Vettel was promoted to Red Bull, Bourdais did not meet the expectations set for him and was let go midway through the season.

Sebastien Buemi, at the age of 20, had a remarkable beginning to his Formula 1 career. He surpassed the performance of the veteran Bourdais and concluded his first season as the leading newcomer.

In 2010, Buemi was the top-ranked driver for Toro Rosso, consistently outperforming his teammates Bourdais and later Jaime Alguersuari during his three-year stint with the team. However, despite his successes, Buemi faced the disappointment of being replaced in 2012 when Toro Rosso decided to bring in Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne.

Sebastien Buemi, who later achieved titles in both Formula E and the World Endurance Championship, continues to be affiliated with the Red Bull organization, serving as one of their backup drivers.

Jaime Alguersuari

At the 2009 Hungarian Grand Prix, Alguersuari became the youngest driver in Formula 1 history to race, being just 19 years and 125 days old at the time.

Alguersuari accumulated 31 points over the course of 46 Formula 1 races, but his departure from the Red Bull program was marked by conflict. He and Buemi were replaced by Ricciardo and Vergne.

After a short period competing in Formula E, Alguersuari decided to leave the world of motorsport in 2015 to focus on a new path as a DJ, adopting the stage name 'Squire'.

Jean-Eric Vergne joined Formula 1 in 2012 as a member of Toro Rosso's updated team, racing alongside Ricciardo.

The French driver, who received high praise, was seen as unlucky for not being promoted to Red Bull. In his debut season, he outperformed Ricciardo, but in the second year, Ricciardo excelled and secured a spot with Red Bull for the 2014 season.

In 2014, Vergne remained with Toro Rosso, teaming up with newcomer Daniil Kvyat. Unfortunately, Vergne faced a series of unfortunate events, including the announcement from Red Bull that Max Verstappen would replace him at Toro Rosso. This marked the second occasion where Red Bull passed over Vergne, opting to promote Kvyat to fill the spot left by Vettel instead.

Daniil Kvyat has experienced being let go by Red Bull three times, a record no one else holds. Red Bull's ruthless strategy in Formula 1 has impacted Kvyat like no other driver.

Following a promising debut season with Toro Rosso, Kvyat was recruited by Red Bull. He had a strong start, finishing 2015 as Red Bull's highest point earner, surpassing Ricciardo throughout the year.

In 2016, Kvyat's career took a turn for the worse. He became known as the 'torpedo' after a collision with Vettel during a race in China, where he still managed to reach the podium. Things got worse during his home race in Russia, where he hit Vettel twice within just two corners, accidentally affecting Ricciardo's race as well.

It turned out to be the final straw, leading to the Russian driver's abrupt dismissal at the following race in Spain, as Red Bull cleared the way for their rising star, Verstappen.

Kvyat being moved down after only four races in the season established a new approach for Red Bull in managing their young drivers.

Daniil Kvyat's performance at Toro Rosso significantly declined, resulting in him losing his position twice in just a few weeks. Initially, Pierre Gasly replaced him, followed by Brendon Hartley.

Although Kvyat was dropped from Red Bull’s driver program at the close of 2017, he made a comeback for a third time with the team in 2019 after Gasly was moved up to Red Bull. After spending two seasons there, he departed once more when he was beaten by Yuki Tsunoda for the 2021 seat.

Brendon Hartley had to be patient for nine years before Red Bull finally gave him a chance. This opportunity arose when he replaced Kvyat towards the close of the 2017 season.

After enduring a challenging season paired with the faster Gasly, Hartley was the next driver to be dismissed, having only managed to score points in three of the 21 races during 2018.

Helmut Marko, who oversees the development of drivers at Red Bull, concluded that the Kiwi's performances did not sufficiently impress to warrant future consideration for a spot on the Red Bull team. As a result, Hartley's time in the Red Bull driver program was notably brief.

Pierre Gasly

In 2019, Pierre Gasly's tenure as a driver for Red Bull was short-lived, as he participated in only 12 races before being reassigned to Toro Rosso. In a swap, Alex Albon took his place at Red Bull.

The French driver, who joined the team after Ricciardo's surprising move to Renault, found it difficult to keep up with Verstappen's results. At the time he was replaced, he was in sixth place in the championship standings with 63 points.

Since Verstappen secured third place with 181 points during the same period, Gasly's performance in the first half of the season was seen as a significant setback for Red Bull in their constructors' championship competition against Ferrari.

Pierre Gasly managed to regain his earlier performance levels with Toro Rosso/AlphaTauri, achieving his inaugural podium finish in Formula 1 and later securing an impressive win at the 2020 Italian Grand Prix.

Alex Albon

Similar to the individual he succeeded, Albon's inability to match Verstappen's level was ultimately his undoing.

Although Alex Albon secured two podium finishes, Red Bull believed his performance over his 18-month tenure with the team was insufficient to warrant retaining him.

In the 2020 racing season, Albon was consistently outperformed by Verstappen in the qualifying rounds. As a result, Albon was moved to the position of reserve driver for Red Bull in 2021, while Sergio Perez was brought on to the team.

Albon is currently thriving at Williams, the team that offered the British-born Thai driver the opportunity to compete full-time on the grid again in 2022.

Sergio Perez

Statistically, Perez performed significantly better than those who came before him, staying as Verstappen's teammate for a total of four seasons.

He showed up just as Red Bull got back into the fight for the championship.

Although his performance didn't enable the team to win the constructors' championship in 2021, ultimately losing to Mercedes, he was instrumental in the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi, supporting Verstappen in his battle for the title against Hamilton.

During 2022, he experienced his most successful year with Red Bull. He secured several impressive wins, including one in Singapore, but just fell short of achieving second place in the drivers’ championship.

Nevertheless, it was sufficient for Red Bull to clinch their first constructors' championship since 2013. Yet, in 2023, issues became more apparent. Despite a promising beginning, Perez's performance significantly declined during the season's midpoint.

During Verstappen's impressive series of 10 consecutive race victories, Perez frequently had difficulty advancing to Q3. However, a late-season improvement helped him avoid embarrassment, ultimately earning him the second-place position in the championship. This achievement marked the first time Red Bull secured the top two positions in the drivers' standings.

The year 2024 marked the definitive end for Perez. As in the past, he began the year with promising performances but soon lost momentum. Unlike in 2022 and 2023, this time he was unable to bounce back.

Ending up 280 points behind Verstappen caused Red Bull to fall behind McLaren and Ferrari in the constructors' championship, leading to their decision to terminate Perez's contract a year early.

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Five Pivotal Instances Leading to Sergio Perez Losing His Red Bull F1 Seat for 2025

An examination of the crucial events that led to Sergio Perez being dropped from the Red Bull F1 team for the 2025 season.

Sergio Perez's journey in Formula 1 has temporarily concluded after Red Bull chose to replace him with Liam Lawson for the 2025 season.

In 2024, Perez's performance was not maintainable, ending up a remarkable 280 points behind his Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen. This outcome led to Red Bull slipping to third place in the F1 constructors' championship that year, trailing McLaren and Ferrari.

The decision came so late that Perez has no spots left on the grid for 2025, forcing him to spend a year away from racing. Considering the stress and pressure he has faced, along with his disappointing performances, this break might actually be beneficial.

Should Perez decide to make a return to Formula 1 at some point, his skill in the midfield and substantial financial support could pave the way for a successful comeback, if he desires it.

What were the pivotal events that led to his eventual dismissal?

Signs of instability appeared in 2023. Throughout his four-year stint with Red Bull, Perez has frequently experienced a slump in performance halfway through the season. However, he usually manages to regain his form by the season's conclusion. For instance, in 2021, Perez endured a stretch of eight races without finishing in the top three during the European segment of the season, but he concluded the year on a high note with several podium finishes.

In a similar fashion in 2022, he managed to secure a podium finish in just one of the six races between Canada and Monza. However, he made a strong comeback later in the year, achieving what many consider the most impressive victory of his career at the Singapore Grand Prix.

In 2023, Perez faced significant challenges, especially during the qualifying sessions. Despite having the most powerful car in the history of Formula 1, he was unable to reach Q3 in five races in a row.

Despite subsequent attempts, Perez never managed to qualify above third place, suggesting to Red Bull that there were underlying issues. Nonetheless, Red Bull's team principal, Christian Horner, was pleased with the outcome as Perez maintained his position as runner-up in the drivers' championship. This result secured a 1-2 finish for the team in the standings, a feat they hadn't accomplished during the era of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber.

Lost Opportunity in Australia

Perez began the 2024 season impressively, securing a spot on the podium in four of the first five races. Nevertheless, an early exit for Verstappen in one race presented Perez with a potential victory that slipped away.

At Albert Park, Ferrari seized the opportunity, securing both first and second place. Meanwhile, Perez found himself isolated, finishing in an uninspired fifth position.

Starting from a disadvantage due to a grid penalty, Perez faced a setback, especially as Red Bull had the strongest car on the track, making it a missed chance for him.

Contract renewal fails to tackle downturn

The Mexican driver's usual mid-season decline began with a difficult weekend in Monaco. Just before the upcoming race in Canada, Red Bull surprised everyone by extending his contract through the end of 2025.

Even though Perez's performance had declined, Red Bull aimed to provide him with reassurance so he would have one less concern.

Towards the end of the year, Horner admitted that the situation was ineffective, and his performance continued to decline.

At that point, Sergio was clearly doing an excellent job, achieving podium finishes in four of the first five races.

"In an effort to calm his thoughts and maintain his performance for the remainder of the season, we decided to act sooner than planned, but unfortunately, it didn't pan out as intended. Such is life," explained Horner.

His performance was so lacking that Red Bull thought about substituting him over the summer pause.

A chance not taken in Baku

Following the summer break, Perez managed to keep his position despite widespread rumors that Daniel Ricciardo might take over. The race in Azerbaijan presented Perez with a significant chance to achieve a notable result.

In Baku, Perez has been the sole driver to truly surpass Verstappen's performance on that track, which Red Bull was counting on due to the series of street circuits. Acknowledging Perez's abilities, he delivered a strong performance in Baku, legitimately outpacing Verstappen.

He contended with Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc for victory, but in the final laps, he collided with Carlos Sainz, resulting in both drivers crashing into the barrier.

Damage from an avoidable crash, along with a collision largely blamed on Perez, resulted in yet another lost chance.

Home Ground Disappointment

As the season drew to a close, Perez's situation deteriorated further, yet the race in Mexico City offered him a chance to regain his performance.

Perez attributed his early exit from Q1 to a problem with the brakes while competing in front of his fans at home. On race day, his performance was nearly humiliating, with a penalty issued for positioning his car incorrectly in the grid box at the start.

In his conflict with his eventual replacement, Lawson, he ended up getting lapped and finishing at the bottom of the standings. Over the course of the last five races, Perez managed to earn only two points, which was less than the total achieved by Sauber's Zhou Guanyu.

Due to his performance, Red Bull is no longer in the running for the constructors’ championship as they approach the Abu Dhabi race, prompting a crucial choice before the New Year. Over his four seasons with Red Bull, Perez secured a second-place finish once and contributed to the team's two constructors’ championship victories.

His arrival happened just as Red Bull was back in the running for the championship, a privilege that Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon did not experience.

Perez plans to step away from Formula 1, worn out by the fierce rivalry and in search of a respite. His comeback to the sport hinges on his willingness to compete among mid-tier teams and if those teams still see him as a strong contender amidst a lineup brimming with youthful and promising racers.

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Initial information about Ferrari's 2025 F1 vehicle is starting to surface, with the team confirming the unveiling date ahead of the upcoming season.

Ferrari is the first Formula 1 team to announce when they will unveil their car for the 2025 season.

The Italian team is set to reveal their 2025 car on February 19, following the collective F1 season launch event at London's O2 Arena on February 18.

All ten teams, along with their twenty drivers, are set to attend the F1 season launch event, where the 2025 car designs will be unveiled on display vehicles.

Ferrari is set to test their actual vehicle for the first time at a private event held at Fiorano, prior to shipping it off to Bahrain for the pre-season testing sessions.

Lewis Hamilton is set to drive his first Ferrari Formula 1 car. The seven-time world champion will make a major move from competing team Mercedes to join forces with Charles Leclerc starting in 2025.

Hamilton is expected to have a private test session with a two-year-old Ferrari at either the Fiorano or Mugello track before the Scuderia unveils its new car.

Prepare yourself to see our 2025 competitor #ScuderiaFerrari pic.twitter.com/RZEZxRJ4YG — Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) December 18, 2024

Initial Insights into Ferrari's 2025 Model Unveiled

During Ferrari's yearly media luncheon marking the end of the season, team principal Fred Vasseur shared some preliminary information about the 2025 vehicle.

Vasseur announced that Ferrari's newest Formula 1 car will feature a nearly entirely new design.

Even though teams are focusing heavily on preparing for the major rule changes set for 2026, Ferrari is implementing major modifications to their 2025 vehicle.

"There are times when you are unaware of the risks you are taking, and it's only afterwards that you recognize how risky it was," Vasseur stated.

"The vehicle is set to be entirely new. We anticipate that less than 1% of the components will be retained from previous models. While this is a distinct undertaking, it applies to everyone in the industry."

Ferrari is aiming for their car to break a 16-year dry spell in F1 titles after narrowly losing to McLaren in the constructors' championship last season. The team ended up 14 points short of securing their first championship since 2008.

Vasseur emphasized the importance of concentrating on the upcoming season. He noted that the time frame from the start to the launch is only a few weeks, urging everyone to prioritize performance.

"We are planning the championship kickoff and the car unveiling. These are already two major events, and adding another would be overwhelming."

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Liam Lawson is set to join Max Verstappen as his teammate at Red Bull F1 in 2025, with Yuki Tsunoda not chosen for the position.

Red Bull has selected Liam Lawson to be the new Formula 1 teammate of Max Verstappen.

Lawson has moved up from the Racing Bulls team, affiliated with Red Bull, to fill the position left by Sergio Perez. Perez's exit was officially revealed on Wednesday after a disappointing season.

A 22-year-old racer from New Zealand has participated in just 11 Formula 1 races. He competed in six events toward the end of 2024, stepping in for Daniel Ricciardo. Additionally, during the 2023 season, he replaced the injured Ricciardo in five races, making his first appearance at the Dutch Grand Prix after Ricciardo sustained a hand injury in a practice session accident.

In his debut appearance this year in the United States, Lawson managed to earn points and also secured a top-10 finish in Brazil. Reports suggest that he was told about his promotion ahead of the final race of the season, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Lawson expressed that becoming a driver for Oracle Red Bull Racing has been a dream he's had since he was eight, something he has aspired to and worked hard for throughout his life.

The experience up to this point has been amazing. I am extremely grateful to the entire team at VCARB for their assistance, as the past six races have been crucial in getting me ready for this upcoming stage. Additionally, I want to express my gratitude to Christian, Helmut, and everyone at Red Bull for having faith in me and offering me this chance.

"I am thrilled to have the chance to collaborate with Max and gain insights from a World Champion. I'm certain that his experience will be invaluable to me. I'm eager to start!"

Red Bull has decided that Lawson is the ideal choice to take on the formidable task of competing against four-time world champion Verstappen.

Lawson is set to join the ranks as Verstappen’s fifth partner at Red Bull, succeeding Ricciardo, who was his teammate from 2016 to 2018, followed by Pierre Gasly in 2019, Alex Albon during 2019 to 2020, and Perez from 2021 to 2024.

The position is considered the most challenging in Formula 1 and is often seen as a difficult opportunity, as Perez is the third driver to be let go by Red Bull for not matching up closely with Verstappen. Gasly and Albon experienced the same outcome.

Lawson is anticipated to surpass the achievements of Perez, whose lackluster performance at the age of 34 led to Red Bull falling to third in the constructors’ championship.

According to Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull, Liam has consistently shown remarkable talent during his time with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls. Horner emphasized that Liam is not only able to achieve impressive outcomes but also exhibits the qualities of a true racer, willing to compete fiercely and emerge victorious against top competitors.

His entry into the team maintains their tradition of advancing talent from the Red Bull Junior Programme. He joins the ranks of championship and race-winning drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen.

There's no question that competing with Max, who is a four-time champion and easily one of the most remarkable drivers in the history of F1, is intimidating. However, I am confident that Liam will be able to meet this challenge and achieve impressive results for us in the coming year.

Red Bull has chosen not to promote Yuki Tsunoda. Despite being outperformed in qualifying by Tsunoda in their six races together in 2024, Lawson has been selected instead.

This development is a setback for Tsunoda, who believes he is prepared to move up to the main team. He has become more and more frustrated with Red Bull's leadership for repeatedly overlooking him.

Tsunoda believed he had made a positive impact on Red Bull by providing valuable technical insights during his initial Formula 1 test with the team in Abu Dhabi.

He mentioned that he had received numerous comments about how much they admired, specifically, the feedback he provided.

Engineers present at the track, along with those assisting from Red Bull's Milton Keynes factory, expressed their admiration for my contributions.

The region was a significant focus for me. I think Red Bull is already aware that my speed isn't a major concern. What they're more interested in, however, are aspects like my feedback, my behavior as part of the team, and my conduct while driving. They likely viewed these factors as the greatest uncertainties.

Bearing that in mind, I kept offering feedback in my usual manner, striving to convey information as comprehensively and meticulously as I could.

The 24-year-old driver from Japan will continue for a fifth season with Red Bull's associated team. He is likely to be accompanied by French driver Isack Hadjar, who recently secured second place in the Formula 2 championship this year.

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Christian Horner explains why Red Bull overlooked Carlos Sainz

Christian Horner clarifies the reasons behind Red Bull's decision not to consider Carlos Sainz for the 2025 F1 season.

Christian Horner, the head of the Red Bull racing team, has explained the reasons behind not selecting Carlos Sainz as a teammate for Max Verstappen.

On Wednesday, it was officially announced that Red Bull and Sergio Perez decided to terminate their contract two years ahead of schedule after Perez experienced a disappointing 2024 season.

Red Bull has not yet revealed who will replace Perez, but it is anticipated that Liam Lawson will be moved up from the affiliated Racing Bulls team.

Earlier this year, Carlos Sainz became a free agent following the surprising news in February that Lewis Hamilton had moved from Mercedes to Ferrari. However, Red Bull decided against signing Sainz, who has now signed with Williams.

Carlos Sainz, who has won four grand prix races, first entered Formula 1 in 2015, partnering with Max Verstappen at Red Bull's junior team. However, he did not get a chance to compete for the main Red Bull team and ultimately parted ways with the organization.

In an interview with Sky Sports F1 following the official announcement of Perez's exit from Red Bull, Horner explained why the team did not think about bringing Sainz on board.

Horner commented that Carlos is an excellent driver, as has been demonstrated at certain points this year. He emphasized the importance of considering all the different factors and dynamics involved.

"When we decided to renew Checo's contract, it's important to note that he was ranked second in the world championship and had secured podium finishes in four of the first five races."

"When we agreed to the contract, he had secured four podium finishes in five races, making it a sensible decision to continue the partnership and put an end to the excessive rumors surrounding the team."

It was thought that Verstappen and Sainz had a tense relationship while they were teammates at Toro Rosso.

Earlier this year, Helmut Marko, who advises Red Bull on motorsport matters, stated that "the relationship between the two was rather hostile."

"Sainz is unquestionably a talented driver," Marko stated in an interview with Marca. "During their time at Toro Rosso, he was nearly as good as Max. Unfortunately for him, having Verstappen as a teammate was a stroke of bad luck."

"The relationship between the two at Toro Rosso was rather unhealthy. Given the circumstances at that time, I couldn't envision a way to retain him on our team. Consequently, Carlos moved on to Renault, then McLaren, and eventually joined Ferrari."

Sainz Seen as the Clear Choice

Karun Chandhok, a Formula 1 analyst for Sky Sports, expressed on the broadcaster’s podcast that he is baffled as to why Red Bull chose not to bring Sainz on board.

The notion that Max has issues with him or that the fathers don't get along is outdated—it's been ten years! They're in entirely different phases of their lives now, with Max being a four-time world champion," he added.

Ultimately, the team's failure to secure the constructors' world championship title can be attributed to the underperformance of their second car. This vehicle consistently lagged behind the second Ferrari and second McLaren in terms of scoring, regardless of the weekend. Moreover, there seemed to be a focus on whether the fathers of certain individuals were getting along, which perhaps diverted attention from these critical issues.

"In my opinion, it's crucial to have the top two drivers, and for me, Carlos was clearly the top choice."

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According to circulating reports, Red Bull has allegedly made a decision regarding who will replace Sergio Perez for the 2025 F1 season.

According to reports, Red Bull has apparently made the decision to have Liam Lawson take over from Sergio Perez for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

This information comes from ESPN, which reports that Perez's anticipated exit from Red Bull is expected to be officially announced by Christmas.

Red Bull is anticipated to reveal their driver lineup plans this week, with Perez likely to be let go following his disappointing performance in the 2024 season.

Perez’s poor showings played a significant role in Red Bull falling to third position in the constructors’ championship.

Lawson, who took over for Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull starting from the United States Grand Prix in October, is rumored to be a candidate for Perez’s position.

Key stakeholders at Red Bull held a critical meeting on the Monday following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where they debated Perez's future with the team.

Perez to Take on Red Bull Ambassador Role?

Negotiations have been ongoing between the 34-year-old Mexican driver and Red Bull to determine the specific terms of his departure.

Perez's current agreement with Red Bull extends until the conclusion of the 2026 season. Earlier this year, the team decided to give him an additional two-year contract. However, team principal Christian Horner recently confessed that this decision was an error.

According to an ESPN report, the talks have focused on whether Perez intends to continue as an ambassador for Red Bull in 2025 or if he plans to completely cut ties with the company.

Lawson is expected to be chosen as Max Verstappen's new partner, even though he has only participated in 11 races over two periods with Red Bull's affiliate team during 2023 and 2024.

The anticipated advancement of the New Zealander could create an opportunity for Isack Hadjar, who finished second in the Formula 2 championship, to join RB and race alongside Tsunoda.

Helmut Marko, who advises Red Bull on motorsport matters, hinted that the team would reveal its plans for the 2025 driver lineup later this week.

Marko mentioned in his recent Speedweek column that updates regarding the driver lineup for the upcoming year will be shared in the coming days.

"There is widespread speculation surrounding this matter, with baseless rumors circulating about potential transfer fees."

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Sergio Perez announces that he will be leaving Red Bull at the end of the 2024 Formula 1 season, though a successor has yet to be identified.

Sergio Perez has revealed that he will be departing from Red Bull before the start of the 2025 Formula 1 season.

Following the conclusion of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix earlier this month, the announcement was anticipated, and on Wednesday, Red Bull and Perez officially confirmed the news.

Perez's role at Red Bull was no longer sustainable because he couldn't improve his poor performances throughout the 2024 season.

As Max Verstappen clinched his fourth straight world championship, Perez added only 152 points to Red Bull's overall tally of 589 last season, ultimately placing eighth in the drivers' rankings.

The 34-year-old racer from Mexico did not manage to secure a spot in the top five for 18 consecutive races. His lackluster performance was a major factor in Red Bull dropping to third in the constructors' championship.

After Perez managed to secure just one point in the last three races of the season and showed no signs of getting better, Red Bull took decisive action by ending his contract two years ahead of schedule.

Perez expressed his deep appreciation for the four years he spent with Oracle Red Bull Racing, highlighting the privilege it was to compete with such an outstanding team. He described his time with Red Bull as an unforgettable journey and noted that he would always hold dear the accomplishments they achieved as a unit.

"We shattered records and achieved impressive milestones, and I've been fortunate to encounter numerous amazing individuals during this journey. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each member of the team, including those in management, engineering, mechanics, catering, hospitality, kitchen, marketing, and communications, as well as everyone in Milton Keynes. I wish you all the best moving forward."

"It has been a privilege to compete alongside Max as a teammate over the years and to celebrate our achievements together. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to fans worldwide, particularly those in Mexico, for your constant support. We'll cross paths again soon. And always keep in mind… Never give up."

Red Bull's team leader, Christian Horner, expressed his gratitude towards Checo, acknowledging his contributions to Oracle Red Bull Racing during the last four seasons.

Since he became a part of the team in 2021, he demonstrated remarkable teamwork, contributing significantly to our achievement of two Constructors’ championships and securing our first 1-2 finish in the Drivers’ standings. His five victories, all on street courses, highlighted his relentless drive to consistently perform at the highest level.

"Although Checo won't be competing with the Team next season, he remains a highly popular figure among us and is an invaluable piece of our legacy. We appreciate you, Checo."

Lawson is anticipated to take over the position

With Perez stepping down, Lawson is likely to fill his spot. This change comes after Lawson took Daniel Ricciardo's place at Red Bull's affiliated team, RB, starting from the United States Grand Prix.

According to reports, Red Bull has concluded that Lawson is the ideal choice to partner with Verstappen, even though the 22-year-old from New Zealand has participated in just 11 Formula 1 races.

Lawson earned points during the races in the United States and Brazil and is considered the frontrunner to be chosen over Yuki Tsunoda, who managed to qualify ahead of his Red Bull teammate in their six joint appearances in 2024.

Red Bull announced that more details about their complete 2025 team will be shared at a later time.

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Christian Horner suggests that Sergio Perez will continue to have a connection with the Red Bull brand even as he takes a break from Formula 1.

Red Bull's team leader, Christian Horner, announced that Sergio Perez has chosen to take a break from Formula 1.

On Wednesday, it was announced that Perez and Red Bull will part ways, with the 34-year-old Mexican driver leaving the team after the 2024 season, marking the end of their four-year partnership.

The anticipated announcement was made after discussions aimed at finalizing the details of Perez's departure, despite him having agreed to a two-year contract extension for the 2025 and 2026 seasons earlier this year.

Reports indicate that Perez might be given a position as an ambassador for Red Bull. Horner mentioned that even though Perez will no longer be racing, he is expected to continue his involvement with the company.

"He has been an outstanding team member. Although this year has been challenging for him, he remains an excellent individual and was crucial to winning the Drivers' Championship in 2021, as well as the Constructors' titles in 2022 and 2023," Horner said to Sky Sports F1.

Last year, he finished as the runner-up in the Drivers' Championship and secured victories in five grands prix driving our vehicles. After the season concluded, he took some time to think about his future. We had a meeting last week to talk about what the future holds.

He has chosen to take a break from Formula 1, essentially going on a sabbatical. While he will remain connected with the brand and team, he will no longer be participating as a driver for the time being.

"We're disappointed to see him depart from the team, but it's clear that he needs to prioritize time with his young family and focus on his future plans."

Tsunoda or Lawson?

Red Bull has not yet officially announced who will take Perez's place in 2025, though Liam Lawson is considered the frontrunner to partner with Max Verstappen.

Horner announced that the final decision will be made between the 22-year-old racer from New Zealand and his teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, both of whom tested Red Bull's 2024 Formula 1 car after the season concluded in Abu Dhabi.

Official confirmation regarding Red Bull's driver roster for the 2025 season is anticipated shortly.

"We possess all the necessary details," Horner stated. "Ultimately, the decision will be between Yuki and Liam, as both have impressive qualifications."

Recently, we had the opportunity to evaluate Yuki during a tire test in Abu Dhabi, allowing him to collaborate with the engineering team. This year, Liam has also been extensively involved in testing activities with us away from the spotlight and has performed admirably in the six or seven races he participated in.

"We've gathered all the details we need. Currently, we're reviewing everything and consulting with the engineering team. We expect to reach a decision within the next few days."

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