Kiwi Contender Praises Pérez: Future Beckons Soon!

Lawson’s admiration for Pérez underlines Red Bull’s evolving dynamics, setting the stage for a very promising future for the ambitious Kiwi contender.

Liam Lawson clashed with Sergio Pérez in 2024 and will ultimately replace the Mexican at Red Bull in 2025. The New Zealander revealed that he has great respect for Pérez, particularly because he remembers his runner-up finish at the 2012 Malaysian Grand Prix.

“This is huge, honestly. It goes back to when I was a kid, and I remember watching a race that I think was one of the key moments that put him on the map—it was in Malaysia, in the Sauber, and he was battling with Fernando Alonso,” Lawson said.

“I remember that race from when I was young. I watched it. So, to put things in perspective, it’s pretty crazy to be racing against these guys today.”

“I have enormous respect for what he’s done in this sport and what he’s done for this team. So yes, in some ways, it’s probably a big role to fill, but it’s obviously exciting.”

Lawson will primarily serve as Red Bull’s number-two driver in 2025, a position he is ready to accept: “I would say yes, from the team’s perspective. And I would say that my job as a driver, coming into Red Bull Racing, is to fight for the constructors’ world title. That’s the team’s main objective.

“That is obviously what I’m supposed to try to do, and anyway, it’s by delivering the best results that we’ll achieve it. So, for me, my aim is to do the best I can.”

“I know the team’s goal is obviously to win the constructors’ world championship, and that’s why I’m here. I’m here to help achieve that goal. But obviously, on a personal level, it’s about trying to get into a competitive position as quickly as possible.”