In a significant move, Red Bull Racing will replace Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda as they head into the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix, marking a swift transition after just two races in the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Lawson will revert to the junior team Racing Bulls, while Tsunoda steps into the role alongside reigning champion Max Verstappen. This change comes following a challenging start for Lawson, who has faced difficulties in qualifying and race performance.
Despite no official statement from Red Bull, reports indicate that Lawson’s performance, which has seen him eliminated in the first round of qualifying at all three events so far, has prompted this change. He failed to score points in both Australia and China.
Tsunoda, previously with Racing Bulls since 2021, has shown impressive form this season, qualifying well and scoring points, further indicating the potential benefits of his return to the top team.
This switch means Tsunoda will be Verstappen’s fifth teammate since Ricciardo departed in 2018. Lawson’s brief tenure highlights the intense competition and high expectations within the Red Bull team.
Following Lawson’s disappointing results, team principal Christian Horner noted that while Lawson still has potential, the pressure of performance has taken a toll. Red Bull’s decision to opt for Tsunoda reflects their commitment to securing a competitive lineup.
As the F1 community gears up for the exciting Japanese Grand Prix at the iconic Suzuka Circuit on April 4-6, the spotlight will be on Yuki Tsunoda’s return to Red Bull and Liam Lawson’s future developments. Stay tuned for more updates as the season progresses.
