Liam Lawson has shared his reaction to the news that he will become a Red Bull driver in 2025. The New Zealander gave an insight into how he found out about his promotion and what his goal will be as he prepares to face Max Verstappen.

Following the announcement on December 18 that Sergio Perez and the Milton Keynes side had agreed to part ways with immediate effect following a difficult season, speculation soon arose as to who would replace the Mexican in the team.

ANALYSIS: Perez had a contract until 2025 – why is his Red Bull journey over now?

A day later, it was confirmed that Lawson – who impressed twice as a super substitute for RB in 2023 and 2024 – had received the nod to take the step up and become Verstappen’s teammate next season.

Speaking of Red Bull Talking Bull Speaking on the podcast, a beaming Lawson said of the move: “It’s very exciting, I still can’t really believe it but I’m just excited. “I can’t stop smiling.”

When asked if the message had already arrived, the 22-year-old replied: “Honestly, no. It’s the first time I’ve had a bit of time to think, because normally I get stuff… when I was reserve and stepped in at Zandvoort (as a replacement for the injured Daniel Ricciardo in 2023), that’s when I found out at the weekend , it was obviously some kind of unusual circumstance.

“And then Austin (this year), (it) probably took me two weeks to know that was going to happen, so at least now I have an offseason to think about it. I don’t really know if I like it though because I just want to get into it! I’m just excited. It’s positive that I have time to really let it sink in, take the time to prepare and come back strong and ready.”