Red Bull Racing has announced a significant change to its lineup just two races into the 2025 Formula One season, with Yuki Tsunoda set to replace Liam Lawson as Max Verstappen's teammate starting at the Japanese Grand Prix on April 6. This decision comes after Lawson's disappointing performances in the opening races, leading to his demotion to the sister team, Racing Bulls.
The 24-year-old Tsunoda, hailing from Kanagawa Prefecture near Tokyo, will partner with the four-time world champion Verstappen at Red Bull, a team that has dominated the sport in recent years. Tsunoda's promotion marks a long-awaited opportunity for the young driver, who has been eager to showcase his skills at a top-tier team.
Christian Horner, Red Bull's team principal and CEO, explained the rationale behind the switch. "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," he stated. Horner emphasized that Red Bull entered the season with two main goals: to retain the World Drivers' Championship and to reclaim the Constructors' title, and this change is purely a sporting decision.
Lawson, 23, was initially given the chance to step up after Sergio Perez's departure at the end of 2024. However, his stint with Red Bull has been fraught with challenges. In the season opener at the Australian Grand Prix, Lawson crashed out in wet conditions, and his performance in the subsequent Chinese Grand Prix was lackluster, finishing 12th after starting from 18th. "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," Horner noted.
Tsunoda's journey in Formula One began in 2021 when he made his debut with AlphaTauri, becoming the first Japanese driver on the grid since Kamui Kobayashi. Over the years, he has steadily improved, outscoring his teammates and showcasing his potential. Last season, Tsunoda had a standout performance, contributing significantly to his team's points tally, and he expressed understanding when he was initially overlooked for the Red Bull seat in favor of Lawson.
Despite the disappointment of not being promoted earlier, Tsunoda remained optimistic. "I didn’t feel super angry or disappointed upon hearing the news about Lawson's promotion; I understood the team's decision at the time," he shared. Now, with Lawson's early exit from Red Bull, Tsunoda sees this as a chance to prove himself alongside Verstappen.
Lawson's return to Racing Bulls will allow him to regain his footing in a familiar environment. He previously drove for the team in two stints in 2023 and has been paired with rookie Isack Hadjar. Horner emphasized the need for a "duty of care" towards Lawson, allowing him to gain valuable experience while continuing his F1 career in a supportive setting.
As Tsunoda prepares for his home Grand Prix, he faces the challenge of adapting quickly to the pressures of driving for Red Bull, a team that has consistently set high expectations. The RB21 has proven to be a difficult car to handle, and even Verstappen has faced challenges in extracting its full potential. Tsunoda's experience and familiarity with the team dynamics will be crucial as he aims to contribute to Red Bull's championship aspirations.
In the wake of Lawson's struggles, the Red Bull management had to act swiftly to avert potential disaster. The early season performances raised concerns about the team's competitiveness, and the decision to promote Tsunoda reflects a commitment to maintaining a strong position in the championship race.
Looking ahead, the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka will be a significant moment for Tsunoda, who has long desired this opportunity. With the home crowd backing him, he hopes to make a strong impression and demonstrate his capabilities as a driver at one of the sport's premier teams.
In summary, Red Bull's decision to replace Lawson with Tsunoda highlights the competitive nature of Formula One, where performance is paramount. As Tsunoda steps into the spotlight, all eyes will be on him to see if he can rise to the occasion and help Red Bull reclaim its status as a championship contender.
