There has been much speculation among the media that Liam Lawson could be replaced at the senior Red Bull team before the Japanese Grand Prix, and it now has been announced that the speculation was not just a rumor, and Tsunoda will take the New Zealander’s place at Red Bull.
Liam Lawson came into the Red Bull seat after a performance for the then-named RB team in 2024 that was impressive enough to earn himself a seat next to Max Verstappen. However, it seemed the 23-year-old was having some troubles in the Red Bull car this season, after crashing in the Australia Grand Prix and failing to score points in Shanghai. The disappointing start to the season required Red Bull to reevaluate the situation, and their attempt at a solution is to swap the positions of Lawson and Tsunoda.
Yuki Tsunoda has been with the junior Red Bull team since his debut to F1 back in 2021, and he had established himself as the team leader, after an impressive 2024 season. However, it was Lawson, and not Tsunoda, who got the first shot at driving the Red Bull car alongside four-time world champion Verstappen. But after recent events, the Japanese driver will be promoted and take Lawson’s place for his home Grand Prix and onward. This means the Liam will be demoted to Racing Bulls to partner Isack Hadjar.
The Team Principal and CEO of Red Bull, Christian Horner commented, “It has been difficult to see Liam struggle with the RB21 at the first two races and, as a result, we have collectively taken the decision to make an early switch. We came into the 2025 season with two ambitions, to retain the World Drivers’ Championship and to reclaim the World Constructors’ title and this is a purely sporting decision,” Horner explained, “We acknowledge there is a lot of work to be done with the RB21 and Yuki’s experience will prove highly beneficial in helping to develop the current car. We welcome him to the Team and are looking forward to seeing him behind the wheel of the RB21.”
Horner also said about Lawson, “We have a duty of care to protect and develop Liam and together, we see that after such a difficult start, it makes sense to act quickly so Liam can gain experience, as he continues his F1 career with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, an environment and a Team he knows very well.”
