Formula 1’s 75th-anniversary celebrations culminated in a spectacular full-grid livery launch at London’s O2 Arena, showcasing the new designs of all ten teams. This event also marked the unveiling of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson’s first full-time livery with Red Bull Racing.
Lawson made a stylish entrance to the event, chauffeuring his four-time world champion teammate Max Verstappen in a stunning Honda NSX.
Following the previous year’s Constructors’ Championship standings in reverse order, Red Bull’s unveiling was third to last of the night. When the car finally emerged, it revealed a familiar yet refined design: the team’s signature colors, subtly enhanced with additional red accents.
Instead of a traditional post-reveal interview, Red Bull showcased a promotional video featuring renders of the RB21, offering a glimpse of its 2025 car.
This year’s car marks a significant milestone for the team: the first Red Bull F1 car designed entirely without the input of legendary designer Adrian Newey since the RB3 in 2007, following Newey’s move to Aston Martin.
Team Principal Christian Horner defined Lawson’s role at the launch: “Liam’s job is to provide support. There’s no expectation to beat a four-time world champion, but if he does, fantastic. We want to ease the pressure.”
He also highlighted Lawson’s mental strength and resilience—crucial attributes considering the tenures of Verstappen’s previous teammates: Pierre Gasly (12 races), Alex Albon (a season and a half), and Sergio Perez (2021-2024), whose initial strong performance ultimately faded, leaving him 285 points behind Verstappen last year.
Verstappen expressed his support of new teammate Lawson: “I’ve seen Liam grow, and he deserves his shot. I’m excited to work with him.”
Lawson’s first experience with the RB21 will be pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit (February 26th-28th), before the season-opening Australian Grand Prix (March 14th-16th).
Header Image: Red Bull Racing
