Red Bull has officially announced that Yuki Tsunoda will take over Liam Lawson`s seat starting from the Japanese Grand Prix. The team described this decision as purely based on sports performance, aiming to address issues with their current car.
This swap, which had been anticipated since reports emerged following the Chinese Grand Prix, is now confirmed. Lawson will return to the Racing Bulls junior team after just two races.
Lawson was initially promoted to replace Sergio Pérez, despite having limited prior F1 experience with only 11 starts. Tsunoda, who previously drove for the second team in 2021, was initially not chosen.
However, Red Bull has now reversed this decision. The team became concerned about Lawson`s performance in the RB21, their new car, which even reigning world champion Max Verstappen has indicated is not yet competitive enough to win races.
After Lawson`s non-finish at the Australian Grand Prix and a poor performance in China where he started last in both the sprint and main race, the team decided to make a change.
Christian Horner, Red Bull`s team principal, acknowledged that the car`s performance is below expectations and emphasized that Tsunoda`s experience will be valuable.
“It has been challenging to see Liam struggling with the RB21 in the initial races. Consequently, we`ve made a collective decision to implement this change early,” Horner stated. “Our goals for the 2025 season are to retain the World Drivers` Championship and regain the World Constructors` title, and this is solely a sporting decision.”
“We recognize significant development is needed for the RB21, and Yuki`s expertise will be crucial in enhancing the car`s performance. We welcome him to the team and are excited to see him drive the RB21.”
Tsunoda will become Verstappen`s third teammate in the last four races.
This promotion marks a significant debut for Tsunoda at his home race, held at the renowned Suzuka circuit.
Sources have indicated that Honda, Red Bull`s engine supplier and a long-time supporter of Tsunoda, played a role in facilitating this move.
This provides Honda with an ideal opportunity to celebrate their successful partnership with Red Bull before they transition to becoming Aston Martin`s exclusive engine supplier in 2026.
Lawson will return to Racing Bulls, where he previously competed in 2023, initially as Daniel Ricciardo`s substitute due to injury and later as a full-time replacement for the Australian last season.
Horner explained that the team believes this demotion will benefit Lawson`s F1 career development.
Horner added, “We have a responsibility to nurture and support Liam`s career progression. Given his difficult start, we believe it`s prudent to act swiftly, allowing Liam to gain further experience with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, a team and environment he is already familiar with.”
In stats: Lawson`s Red Bull Demotion
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Lawson`s time with Red Bull, from promotion to demotion, lasted 99 days.
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Tsunoda and Lawson have competed in the same Grand Prix 13 times. Tsunoda has outperformed Lawson in qualifying in all but one session and has accumulated more points, eight to six.
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Lawson is the first driver to score zero points in his first two races for Red Bull since Ricciardo in 2014. Sebastian Vettel (2009), Mark Webber (2007), and Robert Doornos (2006) also had point-less first two races.
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Tsunoda will be Verstappen`s second teammate since Verstappen won the drivers` championship last season. Over the past 50 years, only one driver, Alain Prost in 1986, has repeated as champion for the same constructor with different teammates.
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The last defending world champion to have multiple teammates in a season was Nelson Piquet in 1984 with Brabham (Teo Fabi 1-5, 8, 10-15; Corrado Fabi 6-7, 9; Manfred Winkelhock 16).
Dominic Ashworth