Liam Lawson has secured a coveted Oracle Purple Bull Racing seat for the 2025 FIA Formulation One World Championship, partnering with four-time world champion Max Verstappen. The 22-year-old New Zealander’s exceptional journey by the Purple Bull Junior Programme and his promising performances in Formulation One have culminated on this dream alternative.
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A Rising Star with a Robust Basis
Hailing from New Zealand, Lawson joined the Purple Bull Junior Programme in 2019 and rapidly established himself as a expertise to observe. His junior formulation successes included a formidable second-place end within the 2021 DTM collection, driving for Purple Bull AF Corse.
Formulation One Debut and Early Success
Lawson made his Formulation One debut with Scuderia AlphaTauri on the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix, the place he showcased his potential. In simply his second race on the Singapore GP, he scored his first championship factors, happening to finish 5 races that season.
2024: Gaining Expertise and Delivering Outcomes
Serving as a Reserve Driver for each Oracle Purple Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri in 2024, Lawson continued to hone his abilities. Returning to Visa Money App Racing Bulls mid-season, he delivered strong performances, together with points-scoring finishes at the USA Grand Prix and Singapore Grand Prix, the place he positioned ninth on each events.
Lawson wrapped up the 2024 season alongside teammate Yuki Tsunoda at Visa Money App Racing Bulls, leaving a powerful impression and incomes his promotion to Oracle Purple Bull Racing.
READ MORE: Unique Interview with Enzo Mucci: The Driving Power Behind Rising Stars Bearman and Lawson
Changing a Seasoned Veteran
Lawson steps into the seat beforehand held by Mexican driver Sergio Pérez. Pérez performed a pivotal function in Oracle Purple Bull Racing’s success, serving to safe the 2021 FIA Formulation One World Championship runner-up place and contributing to consecutive Constructors’ titles in 2022 and 2023. Pérez’s achievements included a second-place end within the 2023 drivers’ standings and third in 2022, solidifying his legacy with the staff.
A Dream Realized
(FILE PHOTO) F1 Driver Liam Lawson Joins Purple Bull SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – OCTOBER 31: Yuki Tsunoda of Japan and Visa Money App RB and Liam Lawson of New Zealand and Visa Money App RB look on within the Paddock throughout previews forward of the F1 Grand Prix of Brazil at Autodromo Jose Carlos Tempo on October 31, 2024 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photograph by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Photographs) // Getty Photographs / Purple Bull Content material Pool
Reflecting on his promotion, Lawson stated:“To be introduced as an Oracle Purple Bull Racing driver is a lifelong dream for me. That is one thing I’ve wished and labored in direction of since I used to be eight years outdated. The journey has been unimaginable to this point, and I wish to prolong an enormous thanks to the entire staff at Visa Money App Racing Bulls for his or her assist. The final six races have been essential in my preparation for this subsequent step. I’m additionally immensely grateful to Christian (Horner), Helmut (Marko), and the complete Purple Bull household for believing in me. I’m tremendous excited to work alongside Max and be taught from a four-time world champion. I can’t wait to get began!”
Horner’s Confidence in Lawson
Oracle Purple Bull Racing Staff Principal and CEO Christian Horner expressed his enthusiasm about Lawson’s promotion:“I’m delighted to announce Liam Lawson as a part of our staff for 2025. Throughout his stints with Visa Money App Racing Bulls, Liam’s performances have proven he’s not only a expert driver however a real racer who thrives beneath stress. His promotion continues our custom of fostering expertise by the Purple Bull Junior Programme, following within the footsteps of greats like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. Racing alongside Max will undoubtedly be a problem, however I’m assured Liam has the resilience and dedication to rise to the event and ship distinctive outcomes subsequent season.”
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – DECEMBER 08: Liam Lawson of New Zealand and Visa Money App RB talks to Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Purple Bull Racing previous to the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on December 08, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photograph by Mark Thompson/Getty Photographs) // Getty Photographs / Purple Bull Content material Pool
Wanting Forward
With a confirmed observe document of growing championship-calibre drivers, Oracle Purple Bull Racing’s choice to raise Lawson underscores their dedication to nurturing expertise. Followers eagerly await the 2025 season, the place Lawson will intention to make his mark alongside considered one of Formulation One’s all-time greats.
