Red Bull Replaces Lawson With Tsunoda in Surprise F1 Driver Swap

• Mar 27, 2025

Red Bull has confirmed that Yuki Tsunoda will replace Liam Lawson as Max Verstappen’s teammate, just two races into the 2025 Formula 1 season. The decision means Lawson will return to Red Bull’s second team, Racing Bulls, where he will race alongside French rookie Isack Hadjar.

The announcement comes after Lawson struggled in his first two races with Red Bull. He qualified 18th and crashed out of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. In China, he started last in both the sprint and main race, finishing 14th and 12th, only moving up due to post-race disqualifications.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner explained the move in a statement:

“It has been difficult to see Liam struggle with the RB21 at the first two races, and we have collectively decided to make an early switch. We acknowledge there is a lot of work to be done with the RB21, and Yuki’s experience will be highly beneficial in helping to develop the car.”

Tsunoda, who has raced for Red Bull’s second team since 2021, will make his senior team debut at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka. The move also holds significance as Suzuka is owned by Honda, Red Bull’s engine partner and a longtime supporter of Tsunoda’s career.

The decision to swap drivers was reportedly made during a Red Bull leadership meeting in Dubai, attended by Horner and chief shareholder Chalerm Yoovidhya.

Lawson had initially been chosen over Tsunoda last season when Red Bull decided to part ways with Sergio Perez. At the time, the team believed Tsunoda lacked the mental toughness to compete alongside Verstappen and saw greater potential in Lawson, despite his limited F1 experience. However, Red Bull’s car has struggled this season, with Verstappen admitting it may only be the fourth fastest on the grid. The team currently sits third in the constructors’ standings behind McLaren and Mercedes.

Red Bull has a history of making quick and ruthless driver changes, but dropping Lawson after just two races is unprecedented. Horner emphasized that the decision was made with Lawson’s development in mind.

“We have a duty to protect and develop Liam. After such a difficult start, it makes sense to act quickly so he can gain experience with Racing Bulls, a team he knows well.”

For Tsunoda, this is a crucial opportunity to secure his F1 future. With Honda set to switch to Aston Martin in 2026 and no available seat there, his long-term place in the sport was uncertain. Now, he has the chance to prove himself at Red Bull and change the team’s perception of his potential.

Meanwhile, Lawson will be encouraged to rebuild his career in the same way as former Red Bull drivers Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon. Both were demoted but later revived their F1 careers, with Gasly moving to Alpine and Albon excelling at Williams.

With Tsunoda stepping up and Lawson moving back to Racing Bulls, Red Bull’s gamble could have major implications for both drivers' futures in Formula 1.