Sergio Pérez to Exit Red Bull: Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar Set for 2025 Roles
In a significant shake-up for the 2025 Formula 1 season, Sergio Pérez will part ways with Red Bull Racing, paving the way for Liam Lawson to join Max Verstappen as his teammate. Rising star Isack Hadjar, fresh from his Formula 2 campaign, will step into Lawson’s shoes within the Red Bull system, continuing the team’s tradition of promoting young talent from its driver academy.
Pérez, who entered the 2024 season on a high note with four podium finishes in the first five races, struggled to maintain consistency throughout the remainder of the year. Despite flashes of brilliance, his performances fell short of Red Bull’s expectations, particularly as the team aimed to defend its Constructors’ Championship. The decision to part ways, reportedly reached amicably, reflects the challenges Pérez faced in sustaining top-tier results within one of Formula 1’s most demanding environments.
A reliable source has revealed that Pérez and Red Bull Racing have finalized the terms of their separation, even though the Mexican driver was under contract for 2025. Discussions surrounding his future intensified following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix season finale, with the formalities of the split taking several weeks to finalize. Red Bull’s management ultimately determined that Liam Lawson, rather than long-time Toro Rosso/AlphaTauri driver Yuki Tsunoda, would be the ideal replacement for Pérez.
Lawson’s promotion comes as no surprise to many observers, given his strong performances during his substitute appearances in 2024 and his growing reputation as a composed and versatile driver. His ability to handle high-pressure situations and deliver results aligns with Red Bull’s competitive ethos. Isack Hadjar, who showcased his potential during an FP1 outing in Abu Dhabi, has been identified as the next talent to nurture within Red Bull’s development pipeline, stepping into Lawson’s former position.
While Pérez’s departure from Red Bull marks the end of a significant chapter in his career, it also opens the door for new opportunities. However, sources close to the situation confirm that Pérez will no longer hold any formal ties with Red Bull, indicating a clean break from the team that brought him two highly successful seasons, including key contributions to their Constructors’ Championship win in 2022.
Red Bull’s internal changes come after a season where the team faced heightened competition from McLaren and Ferrari. Although Verstappen successfully defended his Drivers’ Championship, Red Bull’s bid to retain the Constructors’ title fell short, finishing third behind McLaren, the eventual champions, and Ferrari, the runners-up. This setback likely influenced Red Bull’s decision to recalibrate its driver lineup in pursuit of reclaiming dominance in 2025.
An official announcement regarding the changes is expected imminently, potentially by Wednesday. This marks a pivotal moment for Red Bull Racing, as the team looks to balance Verstappen’s unparalleled consistency with the fresh energy and potential that Lawson and Hadjar bring to the table. The focus now shifts to how this revamped lineup will fare against the likes of McLaren and Ferrari in the upcoming season, as Red Bull seeks to reassert its position at the forefront of Formula 1.
