Liam Lawson has secured a coveted Oracle Purple Bull Racing seat for the 2025 FIA System One World Championship, partnering with four-time world champion Max Verstappen. The 22-year-old New Zealander’s exceptional journey via the Purple Bull Junior Programme and his promising performances in System 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 shortly established himself as a expertise to look at. His junior formulation successes included a formidable second-place end within the 2021 DTM sequence, driving for Purple Bull AF Corse.
System One Debut and Early Success
Lawson made his System 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 expertise. Returning to Visa Money App Racing Bulls mid-season, he delivered stable performances, together with points-scoring finishes at the US 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.
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Changing a Seasoned Veteran
Lawson steps into the seat beforehand held by Mexican driver Sergio Pérez. Pérez performed a pivotal position in Oracle Purple Bull Racing’s success, serving to safe the 2021 FIA System 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 group.
A Dream Realized
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 previous. The journey has been unimaginable to this point, and I wish to prolong a large thanks to the entire group at Visa Money App Racing Bulls for his or her help. 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 whole Purple Bull household for believing in me. I’m tremendous excited to work alongside Max and study from a four-time world champion. I can’t wait to get began!”
Horner’s Confidence in Lawson
Oracle Purple Bull Racing Crew Principal and CEO Christian Horner expressed his enthusiasm about Lawson’s promotion:
“I’m delighted to announce Liam Lawson as a part of our group 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 via 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.”
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 purpose to make his mark alongside one among System One’s all-time greats.