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Red Bull has confirmed that Yuki Tsunoda will replace Liam Lawson at the senior Red Bull Racing team starting from the Japanese Grand Prix. Lawson, who struggled in the first two races of the 2025 season, will return to Racing Bulls, partnering rookie Isack Hadjar.
Lawson earned his Red Bull promotion after impressing in late 2024, stepping in for Daniel Ricciardo at Racing Bulls. However, his start to the 2025 season proved challenging. He crashed out in Australia and finished 12th in China, despite three disqualifications ahead of him. These difficulties led to speculation about an early switch, which has now been confirmed.
Meanwhile, Tsunoda has been in strong form at Racing Bulls. The Japanese driver, who made his F1 debut with AlphaTauri in 2021, scored 30 of his team's 46 points last season. His performances at the start of 2025, including a sixth-place finish in the Chinese Grand Prix Sprint, caught Red Bull's attention.
Christian Horner, Red Bull Team Principal, stated that the decision was purely performance-based. "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," Horner explained. "We came into the 2025 season with two ambitions: to retain the World Drivers' Championship and to reclaim the World Constructors' title. Yuki's experience will prove highly beneficial in helping to develop the current car."
Despite missing out on the Red Bull seat initially, Tsunoda remained professional. "I could understand why the team chose Lawson," he admitted, adding that he did not feel "super angry or disappointed" at the decision. Now, he has the opportunity to prove himself alongside three-time world champion Max Verstappen, starting with his home race at Suzuka.
Lawson's move back to Racing Bulls mirrors past Red Bull demotions, such as Daniil Kvyat in 2016 and Pierre Gasly in 2019. Racing Bulls Team Principal Laurent Mekies praised both drivers, stating, "We're incredibly proud of Yuki earning his well-deserved move to Oracle Red Bull Racing. His progress has been nothing less than sensational."
Mekies also welcomed Lawson back, saying, "Everyone here at VCARB is looking forward to working hard with Liam to give him the best environment possible to shine in our car and express the talent we all know he has."
With Tsunoda stepping up and Lawson returning to familiar ground, both drivers now face new challenges as the season unfolds.
