Liam Lawson will step as much as Pink Bull as Max Verstappen’s team-mate in Formulation 1 subsequent yr, it was introduced on Thursday.
Only a day after the Milton Keynes-based squad revealed {that a} deal had been reached to half methods with Sergio Perez, it confirmed that it had elected to advertise RB teen Lawson.
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The New Zealander arrives at Pink Bull with out a full season in F1 beneath his belt, having solely partaken in two quick stints for AlphaTauri/RB over the previous two campaigns.
In 2023, he was drafted in as non permanent substitute for the injured Daniel Ricciardo, who broke his wrist in a crash on the Dutch Grand Prix. Lawson took half in 5 races, with a greatest end of ninth in Singapore.
This yr he joined RB from the USA Grand Prix after the crew cut up with Ricciardo, who had not delivered all that had been hoped for over the course of the season.
Lawson scored factors from the off with ninth place in Austin, and completed in that place once more within the Brazilian GP.
Whereas the New Zealander was outqualified 7-2 by team-mate Yuki Tsunoda (6-0 with out sprints), and scored fewer factors throughout their time collectively, Pink Bull felt that he provided extra potential due to his technical suggestions and psychological perspective.
Particularly, having robustly defended himself towards Fernando Alonso at the USA Grand Prix, and obtained his elbows out towards Perez at occasions, Lawson has satisfied the crew that he has the precise mindset wanted to go up towards somebody as powerful as Verstappen.
Pink Bull crew boss Christian Horner mentioned: “Liam’s performances over the course of his two stints with Visa Money App Racing Bulls have demonstrated that he’s not solely able to delivering robust outcomes, however that he’s additionally an actual racer, not afraid to combine it with the perfect and are available out on prime.
Liam Lawson, RB F1 Workforce, Christian Horner, Workforce Principal, Pink Bull Racing
Picture by: Pink Bull Content material Pool
“His arrival continues the crew’s lengthy historical past of selling from inside the Pink Bull junior programme and he follows within the footsteps of championship- and race-winning drivers corresponding to Sebastian Vettel and naturally, Max Verstappen.
“There’s little doubt that racing alongside Max, a four-time champion and undoubtedly one of many best drivers ever seen in F1, is a frightening job, however I’m certain Liam can rise to that problem and ship some excellent outcomes for us subsequent yr.”
Talking about securing the Pink Bull seat, Lawson mentioned: “To be introduced as an Oracle Pink 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 previous.
“It’s been an unbelievable journey thus far. I need to say an enormous thanks to the entire crew at VCARB for his or her help, the final six races have performed an enormous half in my preparation for this subsequent step.
“I additionally need to thank, Christian, Helmut [Marko] and the entire Pink Bull household for believing in me and giving me this chance. I’m tremendous excited to work alongside Max and study from a world champion, I’ve little doubt I’ll study from his experience. I can’t wait to get going!”
RB has not but introduced who will substitute Lawson, however it’s anticipated to be junior driver Isack Hadjar, who fought for the F2 championship this yr.
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On this article
Jonathan Noble
Formulation 1
Liam Lawson
Yuki Tsunoda
Pink Bull Racing
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