In a dramatic turn of events in the Formula 1 circuit, Red Bull Racing has decided to replace Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda just two races into the 2025 season, according to multiple reports. This decision, which comes after a high-level meeting in Dubai, marks a significant move for the team as they prepare for next week’s Japanese Grand Prix.
Lawson joined Red Bull this season after being promoted from the Racing Bulls team, stepping in for Sergio Pérez. Unfortunately for the 23-year-old New Zealander, his performance has been far from stellar. He crashed out in Melbourne and finished 16th in Shanghai, trailing considerably behind his teammate, Max Verstappen. In both qualifying sessions, Lawson failed to advance past Q1, qualifying last for both the sprint race and the main grand prix in Shanghai.
Reports from Dutch newspapers, including De Telegraaf and De Limburger, indicate that an official announcement confirming Tsunoda’s promotion is expected soon, while Lawson's representatives have expressed uncertainty regarding the finalization of the decision. Red Bull has not yet issued a statement regarding the swap, but insiders confirm that the internal discussions surrounding Lawson have intensified.
Team principal Christian Horner acknowledged Lawson's difficult start, stating, “We will study all the data and do our best to support Liam,” but added the team needed two drivers who could consistently score points. The pressure on Lawson has been palpable, especially given the recent scrutiny of his performance and the rapid decision-making from team management.
Tsunoda, who spent four years as a member of Red Bull’s junior team, is set to make his debut for Red Bull in front of a home crowd at the Suzuka Circuit on April 6. The move not only highlights Red Bull's commitment to retaining competitiveness in the constructors' championship but also signals a new phase for Tsunoda, whose performances this season have shown he is ready for the top team.
Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, praised Tsunoda’s current form, remarking, “Yuki is a different Yuki from the years before. He is in the form of his life.” Marko indicated that Tsunoda’s experience and maturity made him a valuable asset for the team, especially alongside a driver of Verstappen’s caliber. Meanwhile, sources have suggested that Honda, who backs Tsunoda financially and has historically supported his development, is poised to play a role in this transition.
The replacement of Lawson, just two races into the season, is generating substantial media buzz. Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher criticized the rapid decision-making, advising against changing drivers hastily and highlighting that Lawson needs more time to acclimate to the team. “You have to bear in mind that Red Bull is anything but good at the moment,” he stated, emphasizing the difficulties faced by a young driver trying to race against elite competitors.
Looking ahead to Japan, the implications of this swap are already significant. As Red Bull seeks to improve its standing after losing the constructors’ title to McLaren the previous year, ensuring both drivers contribute to points-scoring become crucial. With McLaren leading the charge in the 2025 season, Red Bull's gamble on Tsunoda underscores their determination to regain competitiveness.
While Lawson was expected to show potential given his earlier accolades, including a robust showing in lower categories, the harsh realities of Formula 1 have led many to question the judgment behind his selection over Tsunoda. There remains an air of urgency around the Red Bull camp, with Horner indicating, “there’s always going to be speculation in the paddock” regarding the performances of both drivers.
The backdrop to this driver swap is a complex narrative within Red Bull, where anxieties over the second driver’s performance have plagued the team historically. Tsunoda's promotion marks him as Verstappen’s sixth teammate following a long line of rapidly cycled drivers alongside the reigning world champion. Notably, it raises questions about how well the team manages talent under the pressure of a competitive landscape, especially as they now face competition not only from McLaren but also Ferrari and Mercedes.
The situation is indicative of how swiftly fortunes can change in F1. Lawson, who had high hopes of making a lasting impression, now finds himself demoted to the junior Racing Bulls team barely weeks into the new season, needing to rebuild his confidence and reputation. Meanwhile, Tsunoda looks to capitalize on his second chance at the top level, supported by Honda's longstanding alliance.
This unexpected reshuffling of drivers, sparked by Lawson's underwhelming start, encapsulates the intensity of competition in Formula 1. With the Japanese Grand Prix just days away, all eyes will be on Tsunoda as he steps into the spotlight that Lawson has left behind.
