Liam Lawson has been announced as Max Verstappen's new team-mate at Red Bull in a bitter blow to Yuki Tsunoda.
Sergio Perez came under intense scrutiny this past year after a disappointing season where he failed to get close to Verstappen's level.
The Mexican's poor results ultimately cost Red Bull the chance at defending their Constructors' Championship title.
Despite having one year remaining on his contract, Perez was dismissed on Wednesday with Lawson seen as the frontrunner to replace him.
Sergio Perez lost his seat at Red Bull
PA
Tsunoda has been waiting in the wings for a seat at Red Bull with the Japanese driver showing signs of improvements in recent seasons.
However, Red Bull have opted to go with the less-experienced Lawson to drive alongside Verstappen next year.
He said: “To be announced as an Oracle Red Bull Racing Driver is a lifelong dream for me, this is something I’ve wanted and worked towards since I was eight years old.
"It’s been an incredible journey so far. I want to say a massive thank you to the whole team at VCARB for their support, the last six races have played a huge part in my preparation for this next step.
"I also want to thank, Christian [Horner], Helmut [Marko] and the whole Red Bull family for believing in me and giving me this opportunity.
"I am super excited to work alongside Max and learn from a world champion, I have no doubt I will learn from his expertise. I can’t wait to get going!”
The 22-year-old joined Red Bull's junior programme in 2019, the same year as Tsunoda.
The Japanese driver took the step into F1 in 2021 with AlphaTauri and enjoyed his best year with the team this past season, finishing 12th in the standings.
Liam Lawson will drive alongside Max Verstappen
REUTERSHe also outperformed Lawson in four of the six Grands Prix they raced alongside each other with RB this campaign.
But Horner has revealed why Red Bull ended up going with Lawson for next season as Verstappen's latest team-mate.
“I’m delighted to announce that Liam Lawson will join the Team in 2025," Horner said.
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Yuki Tsunoda has been pushing for a seat with Red BullGETTY"Liam’s performances over the course of his two stints with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls have demonstrated that he’s not only capable of delivering strong results but that he’s also a real racer, not afraid to mix it with the best and come out on top.
"His arrival continues the team’s long history of promoting from within the Red Bull Junior Programme and he follows in the footsteps of championship and race-winning drivers such as Sebastian Vettel and of course, Max Verstappen.
"There’s no doubt that racing alongside Max, a four-time champion and undoubtedly one of the greatest drivers ever seen in F1, is a daunting task, but I’m sure Liam can rise to that challenge and deliver some outstanding results for us next year.”
